What are possible therapies for priapism?
Injection of sympathomimetics, direct drainage of the cavernosa, or surgical shunts. A penile prosthesis may be necessary if the penile tissue has undergone necrosis.
Grayscale, colour Doppler, and power Doppler images of ischemic (low flow) priapism.
Transverse image through the engorged penile shaft. The corpora cavernosa are represented in cross-section by the ovoid hypoechoic structures (red star). The echogenic central structure (green arrow) represents the cavernosal artery.
Color Doppler image shows flow in the dorsal vein (V) and artery (A). There is no flow in the corpora cavernosa.
Power Doppler imaging shows no flow in the cavernosa, compatible with low flow ischemic etiology. The tiny flecks of signal represent noise.
Flow in the dorsal artery of the penis. No flow in the cavernosa.