Refractory ischemic priapism in adolescents with beta thalassemia trait and sickle cell trait: a two-patient case series

Jennifer Drerup; Anjali Borsum; Solomon Hayon; Ali Ziada

doi:10.32604/cju.2026.082281

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Refractory ischemic priapism in adolescents with beta thalassemia trait and sickle cell trait: a two-patient case series

Jennifer Drerup¹, Anjali Borsum^2,*, Solomon Hayon¹, Ali Ziada¹
1 Department of Urology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
2 College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
* Corresponding Author: Anjali Borsum. Email: email

Canadian Journal of Urology https://doi.org/10.32604/cju.2026.082281

Received 13 March 2026; Accepted 23 June 2026; Published online 17 September 2026

Abstract

Background: Ischemic priapism is an uncommon but urgent condition in pediatric patients and is most frequently associated with sickle cell disease, although other hemoglobinopathies may also contribute to refractory cases. Case Description: Two adolescent males presented with refractory ischemic priapism. Initial management with corporal aspiration and phenylephrine was unsuccessful. Further evaluation identified previously undiagnosed beta thalassemia trait in one patient and sickle cell trait in the other. Both ultimately required surgical shunting with successful detumescence and favorable postoperative outcomes. Conclusions: These cases highlight the importance of considering hemoglobinopathies beyond sickle cell disease and support early hematologic evaluation in recurrent or refractory pediatric priapism.