Propofol-Induced Priapism, a Case Confirmed with Rechallenge

Abstract

Objective: To report a case of propofol-induced priapism. Case Summary: 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. Discussion: 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.