Persistent priapism and histological modifications of the erectile tissue. Two case reports.

Prolonged veno-occlusive priapism is associated with a high risk of fibrosis of the corpora and impotence. We present 2 cases of prolonged low-flow priapism who came under our observation more then 72 hours after the onset of priapism. The first case was a 51-years old man in which the aethiology of priapism was cauda equina compression by a L4-L5 discal haernia, not recovered after surgical decompression. The second case was a 23-years old man suffering of painful priapism lasting for more than 7 days due by abuse of cocaine, alcohol and psychopharmaceuticals. In both cases drainage and irrigation of the corpora followed by injection with an alpha-agonist agent has been insufficient. Detumescence has been obtained with shunt procedure and compressive bondage. The biopsy of the corpora cavernosa showed fibrosis.