Priapism in Chronic Myeloblastic Leukemia (CML)

CML is one of several chronic myeloproliferative diseases characterized by specific translocation, known as the Philadelphia chromosome. CML generally occurs in adults.

The etiology of CML is not yet known with certainty, CML consists of 3 phases namely the chronic phase, the acceleration phase and the blast crisis phase. The diagnosis is made by history taking, physical examination and supporting blood tests, peripheral blood smear with the appearance of anemia and leukocytosis and bone marrow aspiration with hypersellular appearance accompanied by increased activity of granulopoesis, myeloblast more than 5%.

Priapismus is an emergency in the medical field which is characterized by a long and very painful erection in the penis that has nothing to do with all sexual activity. Priapism is a form of hematological disorder that can occur due to hyperviscosity. Priapism in these patients results from hyperleukocytosis which manifests in hyperviscosity in the penile blood vessels.

Therapy given to CML patients with priapism is still symptomatic, the goal is to reduce complaints of pain in the penis.