Association between partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum, partial priapism, and hard flaccid syndrome: A scoping review

Abstract

Aim: To describe the association between partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum, partial priapism, and hard flaccid syndrome.

Methods: A scoping review was performed according to the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Moreover, we performed a search strategy using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases. We included the available information, evaluating the conditions of partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum, partial priapism, and hard flaccid syndrome, and their molecular and physiological mechanisms and clinical presentation.

Results: We identified 207 articles and chose eight studies published between 2001 and 2021. The total number of patients was 34, and their mean age was 28.2 years. Moreover, in 84% of the studies, the pathophysiology of the events was related to microtrauma or prolonged perineal compression. Additionally, 94.2% of the patients had some degree of erectile dysfunction. In addition, out of all patients, 94% underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, patients with hard flaccid syndrome did not show relevant findings in these studies. Conversely, MRI showed asymmetry in the proximal corpora cavernosa, thrombosed corpus cavernosum segments, and mainly cavernous fibrous septum in patients with partial cavernous thrombosis and partial priapism.

Conclusion: Partial thrombosis of the corpus cavernosum, partial priapism, and hard flaccid syndrome occurred more frequently in young patients, possibly related to microtraumas that generate cavernous fibrosis and trigger alterations in the erection of the distal portion of the penis. Additionally, they cause proximal hardening of the pelvis, perineal pain, painful ejaculations, and cavernous asymmetry. Moreover, the imaging characteristics are similar in patients with partial priapism and partial cavernous thrombosis.

Keywords: hard flaccid; hard flaccid syndrome; idiopathic partial thrombosis of corpus cavernosum; partial priapism; partial segmental priapism; partial thrombosis of corpus cavernosum.