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Propofol-induced priapism, a case confirmed with rechallenge
Kimi S Vesta1, Shaunta' D Martina, Ellen A Kozlowski
1Department of Pharmacy, Clinical and Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73190-5040, USA. Kimi-Vesta@ouhsc.edu
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|April 28, 2006
Summary
Propofol, an anesthetic, may cause priapism, a prolonged erection. This case report details a patient who experienced recurrent priapism linked to propofol administration, suggesting a drug-induced effect.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
- Urology
Background:
- Propofol is a widely used intravenous anesthetic agent.
- Priapism is a medical condition characterized by prolonged penile erection.
- The association between propofol and priapism has not been previously reported.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old male developed priapism during anesthesia induction with propofol.
- Priapism recurred upon subsequent exposure to propofol, even at a lower dose.
- The condition resolved after propofol discontinuation and with medical intervention.
Findings:
- A strong temporal relationship, recurrence with rechallenge, and dose-response relationship suggest propofol as the causative agent.
- The Naranjo probability scale indicated propofol as a highly probable cause of priapism in this patient.
- This represents the first reported case of propofol-induced priapism.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for propofol to induce priapism.
- This finding may necessitate careful patient monitoring during and after propofol administration.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanism and incidence of propofol-induced priapism.
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