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Extracorporeal shock wave therapy as a treatment option for persistent clitoral priapism: a case report
Karis Buford1, Lauren Phung2, Bernadette M M Zwaans1,2
1Department of Urology, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48073, United States.
Introduction:
Clitoral priapism is persistent clitoral engorgement without sexual stimulation. Presentation is sparse, and therefore limited treatment options have been investigated.
Aim:
We present a case report of a 34-year-old female presenting with persistent nonischemic clitoral priapism 5 years after aggressive clitoral stimulation.
Methods:
Patient underwent six weekly Li-ESWT sessions at frequency 4 Hz, energy 0.11 mJ for 2000 shocks per session. Assessment included physical examination of clitoral glans engorgement and retraction, global response assessment (GRA) score, need for topical phenylephrine, and ability to achieve orgasm.
Results:
At the end of the therapy, examination revealed complete resolution of priapism with a normal-appearing clitoris fully retracted behind the clitoral hood. The patient reported no longer requiring topical phenylephrine, a significant improvement in GRA, and the ability to achieve orgasm.
Conclusion:
We present a case of nonischemic clitoral priapism resolved with Li-ESWT. More investigation regarding the utilization of Li-ESWT in the treatment of clitoral priapism is highly encouraged.
