Post-traumatic arterial priapism evaluation with color Doppler ultrasonography: a case report

The patient was a 19-year-old man who was examined due to persistent penile erection, which appeared following a blow to the perineal region during work. Color Doppler ultrasonography of the corpora cavernosa revealed a cavity in one part of the cavernous artery that suggested a blood leak, and a diagnosis of high flow type priapism due to trauma was made. Bilateral internal pudendal arteriography demonstrated dilation and extravasation in one part of the right cavernous artery, then transarterial embolization was performed superselectively in the right cavernous artery using an autologous clot. However, 2 weeks after treatment, slight penile erection reoccurred. Color Doppler ultrasonography revealed reformation of the cavity at the treated lesion, and embolization was again performed using a gelatin sponge. Following embolization, the course proceeded satisfactorily without any relapse. Color Doppler ultrasonography, which is non-invasive and can be easily performed, is considered to be an effective means for diagnosis and follow up of arterial high flow priapism.