Clitoral Priapism in a Transgender Male
Rebecca E Kusko1, Esha Singhal1, Robert P Kauffman2
1Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Amarillo, TX, USA.
Introduction:
Clitoral priapism due to venous outflow obstruction is a rare event and medical emergency. Androgen-induced clitoromegaly in transgender men has not been previously identified as a risk factor.
Aims:
Advance current knowledge on identification and treatment of clitoral priapism in the transgender male.
Methods:
A 32 year-old presurgical transgender male underwent gender-affirming laparoscopic total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oöphorectomy without incident. Seven days postop, he developed progressive and painful clitoral engorgement that was persistent. Examination and imaging were consistent with clitoral priapism.
Results:
Clitoral priapism was treated with adrenergic drugs (imipramine and pseudoephedrine) with rapid resolution of symptoms.
Conclusion:
Clitoral priapism is a rare phenomenon usually associated with use of a psychotropic medication. Whether clitoromegaly secondary to androgen administration in transgender men is a risk factor for this rare medical emergency is unknown. Prompt recognition and treatment is paramount. Kusko RE, Singhal E, Kauffman RP. Clitoral Priapism in a Transgender Male. Sex Med 2021;9:100431.
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