Priapism in sickle cell disease is an emergency because it can cause tissue damage due to microcirculatory obstruction. Which statement is true?

• A. It is a benign condition with no risk
• B. It occurs only in newborns
• C. It is an emergency because tissue damage can occur
• D. It is caused by infection

Answer: (C)

Priapism in sickle cell disease is an emergency because prolonged penile erection can cause ischemia of the erectile tissue from microcirculatory obstruction by sickled cells. When blood flow is disrupted and erection lasts for hours, the tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cellular damage, fibrosis, and potentially permanent erectile dysfunction if not treated quickly. This underlying vaso-occlusive process makes urgent evaluation and management essential. It is not a benign condition, it can occur beyond newborns, and it is not caused by infection—the mechanism is vaso-occlusion from sickled red cells causing impaired outflow and ongoing ischemia.