Recurrent priapism as the presenting sign of undiagnosed multiple myeloma: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Priapism is a urological emergency which poses a high risk of long-term sexual dysfunction for patients if left untreated. Although the majority of priapism cases are secondary to sexual enhancement medications, there are many underlying medical disorders that may lead to unexplained and recurrent cases of priapism. Case Report: We present the case of a 53-year-old male with schizoaffective disorder and chronic lower back pain on no medications who presented multiple times to various emergency departments for recurrent priapism requiring aspiration. Ultimately, the patient presented to the emergency department after a fall, and labs revealed hypercalcemia, with serum protein electrophoresis and bone marrow biopsy confirming multiple myeloma. Conclusion: Multiple myeloma continues to be a rare underlying etiology of recurrent priapism. This case represents the importance of performing a thorough investigation in patients with recurrent priapism for hematologic and oncologic disorders, despite there being no other insidious symptoms or signs.