Ischemic priapism caused by self intracavernous injection of tadalafil

Abstract

Introduction We present a case of ischemic priapism caused by self intracavernous injection of tadalafil. Case presentation A 77‐year‐old man developed priapism due to self‐injection of tadalafil into the corpus cavernosum. He presented to our hospital 2 days after the development of priapism and severe penile pain. The blood gas analysis of the corpus cavernosum revealed ischemic priapism. At first, we performed percutaneous distal shunt (T‐shunt) and cavernosal irrigation, resulting in slight improvement of penile tumescence. Several hours later, penile tumescence and severe pain reappeared. Bilateral proximal (corpora‐spongiosal) shunt was performed under anesthesia again. Penile tumescence was slowly and gradually relieved. His erectile function was declined. Conclusion We experienced a case of priapism due to self intracavernous administration of tadalafil who needed a proximal shunt to relieve the severe penile pain. This case report may serve as a warning for physicians and patients not to use phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor inappropriately.

Keywords

• priapism
• proximal shunt
• tadalafil