Aripiprazole-Induced Priapism in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

Drug-induced non-ischemic priapism is a rare but critical condition in children. Aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic, has been associated with priapism, mostly in adults. Prompt recognition is essential to prevent permanent sequelae. An 8-year-old boy, with a complex past medical history including prior dystonic reactions, presented with acute dystonia and subsequent priapism following inadvertent administration of Aripiprazole. The erection persisted for approximately five hours, partially responsive to Diphenhydramine and Benztropine. Urologic evaluation confirmed ischemic priapism. Conservative management was successful, and no surgical intervention was needed. Doppler ultrasound of the penis showed normal flow without thrombosis. The patient remained clinically stable, experiencing only brief, intermittent episodes of erection, each of which resolved with conservative management. This case underscores the potential for Aripiprazole-induced priapism in the pediatric population, despite its generally favorable safety profile. Early recognition and timely urologic consultation are essential for optimal outcomes. When identified promptly, conservative management may be effective in avoiding invasive intervention.