Electronic Cigarettes as a Cause of Stuttering Priapism: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Having painful intermittent penile erections that last less than 4 h is known as stuttering priapism. Sickle cell disease is a well-known risk for stuttering priapism; although, other causes could be related to this disorder. To date, no study has examined the relationship between stuttering priapism and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). CASE REPORT We present a case of a 31-year-old man who came to our clinic with recurrent stuttering priapism. He had no chronic medical illnesses. He had smoked half a pack of cigarettes per day for the past 6 years but had shifted to vaping e-cigarettes for which he used several e-fluids and brands. His stuttering priapism started approximately 1 week after he began vaping. A detailed history and physical examination were unremarkable. Laboratory results showed a normal complete blood count and metabolic panel along with a normal testosterone level and negative sickle cell screening test. The chest X-ray and abdominal and pelvic ultrasound were normal. Initially, we reassured the patient; however, his condition persisted with no significant changes in his general health or lifestyle. We asked him to stop using e-cigarettes, and after he stopped, his stuttering priapism surprisingly completely resolved. He has not experienced a single episode of stuttering priapism in the 3 months since the cessation of e-cigarettes use. CONCLUSIONS The relationship between stuttering priapism and e-cigarettes remains largely unexplored in the literature. Whether e-cigarettes and e-fluids represent a risk factor for priapism in novice e-cigarette smokers warrants further investigation.