Neonatal priapism associated with spontaneous bilateral pyocavernositis

Abstract

Introduction: Neonatal priapism is known to be associated with a wide range of aetiologies, but an association with spontaneous purulent cavernositis has not been reported in the paediatric literature. We report the first of such case.

Clinical picture: A 24-day-old neonate was brought with the history of persistent erection of penis since day 4 of life and swollen penis of 4 days' duration, which revealed frank pus on cavernosal aspiration bilaterally.

Treatment: The child was treated with closed aspiration drainage; cross-irrigation with antibiotic solution under systemic antibiotic cover helped in achieving complete detumescence.

Outcome: On follow-up, child demonstrated normal full bladder tumescence and colour doppler revealed bilateral normal corporo-cavernosal appearance and blood flow, indicating good functional and anatomical recovery.

Conclusion: This case report describes the presentation, successful management and excellent functional and anatomical outcome, on follow-up, of this rare association of neonatal priapism with spontaneous bilateral pyocavernositis. An attempt has been made to describe the underlying pathophysiology.