Partial Segmental Thrombosis of the Corpus Cavernosum (PSTCC) is an uncommon urological condition which chiefly affects young men in which the proximal part of one corpus cavernosum is thrombosed [1]. Some risk factors have been described in the literature, however, the exact etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. It is essential to clarify that PSTCC is different from classic priapism since it typically manifests without an erection [2]. Although partial priapism is the commonly used term to characterize this unusual clinical condition, PSTCC describes it in a better way [3]. Several treatment options are available ranging from conservative medical treatment, surgical, and simple follow-up observation without treatment [2]. Herewith we report a case of a Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) patient presenting with perineal pain and swelling diagnosed as PSTCC and treated conservatively.

A 23-year-old male known with SCA presented to casualty with a one-day history of sudden onset perineal pain, nausea, and vomiting without fever. The pain was associated with perineal swelling. There was no history of urethral discharge, sexual contact, trauma, substance abuse, or lower urinary tract symptoms. Past history was unremarkable except for a stable SCA and left pyeloplasty. Initial examination revealed stable vital signs and unremarkable abdominal examination. Genital examination was within normal limits with no signs of priapism. Nevertheless, careful examination of his perineal area revealed the presence of a fixed, hard and tender mass at the proximal part of the penis. It was not attached to the overlying skin and no enlarged pelvic lymph nodes were felt (Figure 1). Digital rectal examination was normal. Initial laboratory tests were normal except for mild elevation in the leukocytic count. Once stabilized, MRI of the pelvis was performed. It showed an intact Buck’s fascia and tunica albuginea. The right intra-tunical corpus cavernosum showed altered signal intensity involving the root, proximal and mid third sparing the distal third with a maximum width of 26 mm (predominantly hyposignal intensity with few areas of hypersignal intensity) (Figure 2). Features were suggestive hematoma in keeping with PSTCC. Conservative treatment was initiated with bed rest, analgesia in the form of 6 hourly intravenous acetaminophen and regular bed-side examination. The response was observed over 48 hours in which there was gradual but steady decrease in the pain, swelling size and leukocytic count that normalized. Patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on the

third day. At follow up 2 and 4 weeks later, patient was pain free and the mass had disappeared completely. He also revealed that he had been having normal erection without any pain or prolonged erection. Patient was reassured and a hematology follow up was arranged.

This case highlights a rare yet interesting clinical entity. The literature has seen a rise in the reported cases due to the increase in the awareness of this clinical findings and the presence of advanced imaging modalities. PSTCC affects mainly young men and rarely affects other age groups [1]. Almost all cases described in literatures presented with unilateral painful perineal mass that is tender on palpation involving the proximal cavernosal region with or without partial priapism. The differential diagnoses include inflammatory processes and solid tumors [4]. Although several risk factors are described in the literature, the exact etiology remains unclear in most cases. Risk factors for development of PSTCC include hematological abnormalities, blood transfusion, alcohol or recreational drugs abuse, and some medications [5] [6] [7]. Other possible causes include hypercoagulability associated with malignancy and long-distance flights and microtrauma after vigorous sexual intercourse or extensive bicycle riding [1] [2] [3] [8] [9] [10]. Ilicki et al. [1] postulated a two-hit model to explain the pathogenesis. Firstly, transverse membrane is required, dividing the corpus into a proximal and distal portion. In this line, Hillis and Weems described this as a transverse membrane separating the proximal thrombotic area from the distal flaccid corpora, the membrane is congenital or posttraumatic, unilateral or bilateral and could be identified on MRI study or during surgical exploration [11]. Secondly, obstructing the permeable membrane by trigger factors (possibly micro-trauma), that may lead to clotting of the blood that shut the proximal portion. Indeed, this model can justify several points e.g., its association with hematological disorders or micro-trauma, and how it may resolve spontaneously without treatment [1] [11]. However, it is a theoretical explanation since histological and pathological validation is lacking. In our case, the only risk factor that could have led to such a presentation was SCA.

The diagnosis is reached by detailed history, physical examination and advanced imaging studies, but the condition should be distinguished carefully from other penile diseases such as penile fracture, penile abscess, and penile cancer [12]. Clinical examination in the case we described was crucial to detect the perineal mass. In the past, a definitive diagnosis was possible during surgery. Currently, sonography, MRI and CT are standard imaging tools [13]. MRI is more definite and reliable than CT in diagnosing PSTCC as it displays the pathologic processes in soft tissue in greater visual details [1] [2] [3] [12] [14]. Utilizing MRI in the patient we encountered was of paramount importance in confirming the diagnosis. On MRI, the lesion is evident as a unilaterally distended segment of the corpus cavernosum, frequently compressing the contralateral corpus cavernosum due to mass effect of the thrombosed segment. Recently, contrast-enhanced ultrasound has been utilized, particularly in patients in which MRI is contraindicated [13]. It also helps to avoid invasive diagnostic tools, such as cavernosography, cavernous biopsy or surgical exploration [2]. PSTCC is not considered a urological crisis and several treatment options have been described. The first case of partial priapism was described by Hillis in 1976 [11]. At that time, surgical intervention was the norm including corporotomy, cavernosum-spongiosum shunt, and intracavernous injection [5] [15] [16].

Recent literature described some conservative medical approaches with fair success to preserve erectile function [11] [15] [16] [17]. Surgery is reserved for patients failing conservative measures [9]. Fortunately, PTSCC has an excellent prognosis without serious complications or shortcomings. Rare complications can occur such as failure to recover a complete erection (loss of rigidity) in one case, or difficulty with a full erection after surgical management in another case [11] [12]. In the patient we reported, conservative measures were successful, recovery was excellent, and no complications were observed.

PSTCC is a rare urological condition which predominantly affects young men presenting with pain and perineal mass yet is not a urological emergency. Pathogenesis and etiologies are poorly understood but risk factors have been advocated of which SCA is one of them. MRI has a crucial role in the diagnosis under this condition. PSTCC has an excellent prognosis. Conservative treatment appears to be a reliable initial therapeutic option. Surgery is reserved for patients in whom conservative management fails.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Al-Shaiji, T.F., Malallah, M.A., Al-Rashed, H.A. and Al-Terki, A.E. (2021) Partial Priapism: A Rare Presentation of Sickle Cell Anemia. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 9, 126-131. https://doi.org/10.4236/jbm.2021.97013