Ischemic priapism is a prolonged, painful erection that can lead to significant morbidity if not promptly treated. While various etiologies have been identified, the occurrence of ischemic priapism as a result of alpha blocker therapy is exceedingly rare. This report presents the case of a 45-year-old male with a history of benign prostatic hyperplasia who developed ischemic priapism following the initiation of alpha blocker medication. The patient experienced an erection lasting over four hours, accompanied by severe pain and discomfort. Upon presentation to the emergency department, a thorough evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of ischemic priapism, and the patient was promptly treated with aspiration and irrigation of the corpus cavernosum. Follow-up assessments revealed a successful resolution of symptoms and restoration of erectile function.
This case highlights the importance of recognizing alpha blockers as a potential cause of ischemic priapism, even in the absence of prior reports linking the two. It underscores the necessity for healthcare providers to be vigilant in monitoring patients receiving alpha blocker therapy for signs of priapism. Furthermore, this case adds to the limited literature on drug-induced ischemic priapism and emphasizes the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms and management strategies associated with this rare condition.