Successful Therapeutic Leukapheresis for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Identified by Persistent Erection: A Case Report

Cytoreduction in leukostasis can be achieved using leukapheresis. We report a case of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) identified by a persistent erection, which was successfully treated using the Spectra Optia®︎ apheresis system. A 29-year-old male presented with an erection for 12 hours without identified triggers and no improvement despite penile corpus cavernosum puncture. His white blood cell count was 458,930/μL. A diagnosis of CML-induced persistent erection with secondary hyperleukocytosis was established. Following an emergency bilateral penile corpus cavernosum incision (distal shunting), he received hydroxyurea and febuxostat. Persistent erection resolved after leukapheresis for two consecutive days. Rapid leukocyte count reduction can effectively address leukostasis in CML without major complications.