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Urology

Priapism

Persistent painful erection >4h — distinguish ischaemic (low-flow, emergency) vs non-ischaemic.

Source: BAUS; AUA

Step 1 of ~2
info

Distinguish Types

Priapism: persistent erection >4h not relieved by ejaculation. Ischaemic (low-flow) — EMERGENCY: • Painful, rigid corpora. • Causes: sickle cell, drugs (PDE5i, antipsychotics, antidepressants, intracavernosal injections), cocaine, leukaemia, multiple myeloma, idiopathic. • Permanent ED if >24h. Non-ischaemic (high-flow): • Less painful, partial / not fully rigid. • Trauma → arterio-cavernosal fistula. • Less urgent; conservative often successful. Distinguish: cavernosal blood gas — ischaemic acidotic dark venous (pH <7.25, PO₂ <30, PCO₂ >60); non-ischaemic similar to arterial.

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Decision support only. Always apply local guidelines and clinical judgement.