TESTOSTERONE INDUCED PRIAPISM IN 2 ADOLESCENTS WITH SICKLE-CELL DISEASE

Priapism is common in pubertal males with sickle cell disease, but the association between lo,v-dose exogenous testosterone administration a nd priapism in such patients has not been well documented. Two adolesc ents with homozygous sickle cell disease (SCD) and delayed maturation with behavioral problems developed priapism about one week after recei ving an intramuscular injection of testosterone enanthate. Neither had a previous history of priapism. We conclude that testosterone should not be administered to male patients with SCD because of the risk of i nducing priapism and possible impotence.