High flow priapism: a spectrum of disease

We describe 4 cases of high flow arterial priapism, ranging from 1 week to 3 years in duration. The mode of presentation, evaluation using a duplex scanner, treatment and ultimate resolution are discussed. In 1 patient treated with ice compression the erection subsided spontaneously. One patient underwent percutaneous embolization and achieved detumescence. In 2 men a vascular pseudocapsule formed around the site of the ruptured cavernous artery that provided an important anatomical landmark for intraoperative localization. The ruptured branch of the cavernous artery was ligated in an open procedure. Based on these cases and a review of the literature, we outline a modified diagnostic and therapeutic approach for patients with high flow arterial priapism.