| Popis: |
To the Editor.— In the March 20, 1972, issue Dr. Arnold S. Gale reported three cases of penile turgescence treated successfully with 1 mg/lb of ketamine hydrochloride. In two of these cases, an inhalation anesthetic was administered as well. On May 5, 1972, at this institution, a 31-year-old patient with a history of mental illness was admitted with priapism of ten hours' duration. Ketamine hydrochloride, 1 mg/lb administered intravenously, induced a dissociative state without deturgescence. Two additional doses of 0.5 mg/lb were also ineffective, as was a dorsal nerve block of the penis. Spinal anesthesia was subsequently performed with 0.4% tetracaine (Pontocaine), with no deturgescence despite a T-8 sensory level and excellent motor blockade of the perineum and lower extremities. Incidentally, cerebrospinal fluid, collected prior to the anesthetic administration, revealed no laboratory abnormalities. Deturgescence occurred spontaneously the following morning. Further clinical investigation is indeed indicated. |
