Case report: ischemic priapism secondary to tinzaparin

Abstract

Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) therapy has recently been proposed as a cause of ischemic priapism. The evidence, however, remains scarce, as there are very few published cases of LMWH-induced priapism to date. The implications of such events are significant as ischemic priapism is a medical emergency. In current clinical practice we are seeing a trend towards LMWH therapies replacing unfractionated heparin (UFH). As LMWH therapies continue to gain favor, we will potentially see more cases of LMWH-induced priapism. As such, consideration should be given to determine the underlying pathophysiology and incidence of LMWH-induced priapism. Herein, we present the case of a 33-year-old male with priapism in the setting of tinzaparin treatment.