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Description

Blood gas measurement on cavernosal blood can help determine the type of priapism that a patient has.


Parameter

normal (flaccid penis cavernosal blood)

ischemic priapism (low flow)

nonischemic priapism (high flow)

appearance

red

dark

bright red

PO2 in mm Hg

40

< 30 (hypoxic)

> 90

PCO2 in mm Hg

50

> 60 (hypercarbic)

< 40

pH

7.35

< 7.25 (acidotic)

7.40

resembles

mixed venous blood

 

arterial blood

 

Color duplex ultrasonography can be used as an alternative to cavernosal blood sampling.

 


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