European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PENILE STRANGULATION IN AN UNDIAGNOSED MENTALLY SICK PATIENT: A CONCERN FOR INCREASED SCREENING

Evaristus Chinonye Ezema*, David Chibututu Nwobu, Stephen Okorom, George Chima Umeh, Chinenye Loveth Aleke and Chinwe Uzoma Nwune

ABSTRACT

Penile strangulation is a rare condition that must be recognized as an emergency to remove the constricting device and restore penile blood flow. Different kinds of metallic and non-metallic objects placed over the penis due to various reasons pose a constrictive risk of impeding vascular supply with attendant necrosis and/ or gangrene. The situation is compounded when it occurs in mentally sick individuals. The identification of penile strangulation in a mentally sick patient could be difficult, especially if the patient is self-isolating. We present a case of a middle-aged male with an undiagnosed mental illness, who presented to a medical outreach program with penile strangulation by a metal ring. The patient was evaluated and sent for advanced care at the tertiary center where he was treated and discharged to the psychiatry department for follow-up care.

Keywords: Mental illness, metal, penile, ring, strangulation.