Priapism in sickle cell disease.

An 18-year-old black man with known history of homozygous (SS) sickle cell disease presented with sudden onset of priapism awakening him from sleep. Priapism as an isolated manifestation, without other signs or symptoms of sickle cell crisis, is thought to be more prevalent than previously reported. The patient was taken to surgery, where 14-gauge intercaths were used to aspirate blood from his corpora cavernosa bilaterally. Complete detumescence was achieved. At a five-month follow-up visit, normal erectile capacity was reported.