Propofol-induced priapism, a case confirmed with rechallenge.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of propofol-induced priapism.


METHODS
A 17-year-old male receiving propofol for induction of anesthesia during a cardiac ablation procedure developed priapism that required medical intervention and discontinuation of propofol. The priapism developed after a total propofol dose of 550 mg, lasted for 2 hours, and resolved immediately following medical intervention. The following day, the patient underwent a transesophageal echocardiogram and received a total propofol dose of 40 mg throughout the procedure. He again developed priapism, which resolved within one hour without medical intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Priapism experienced by this patient is considered to be drug-induced because of the temporal relationship, recurrence with rechallenge, and dose-response relationship. Using the Naranjo probability scale, we determined that propofol was a highly probable causative agent of priapism in this patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Although, as of April 4, 2006, this adverse effect has not been previously reported, there is a strong correlation of propofol to priapism in this patient. Clinicians should be aware of this adverse effect.
Vesta
Kimi S
KS
Department of Pharmacy, Clinical and Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73190-5040, USA. Kimi-Vesta@ouhsc.edu
Martina
Shaunta' D
SD
Kozlowski
Ellen A
EA
D000293:Adolescent; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D011317:Priapism / Q000139:chemically induced*; D015742:Propofol / Q000009:adverse effects*
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D015742:Propofol