Refractory priapism associated with ingestion of yohimbe extract.
Extracts of the bark of the central African tree Pausinystalia yohimbe contain yohimbine, an indole alkaloid, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction. The reported side effects of over-the-counter preparations of yohimbine include gastrointestinal upset, anxiety, increased blood pressure, headache, agitation, rash, tachycardia, and frequent urination. In this report, we describe a severe case of intractable priapism associated with the ingestion of yohimbe extract. Management required insertion of a proximal cavernosal spongiosum shunt (Quackles shunt) in the operating room.
Myers
Amy
A
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Barrueto
Fermin
F
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D032068:Pausinystalia / Q000009:adverse effects*; D024301:Plant Bark; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011317:Priapism / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000601:surgery; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D013521:Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male
D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D010936:Plant Extracts