A Diagnostic Significance of Ultrasonography in Prostatic Disease

Shin, Yoo Sik; Koh, Sung Kun

Abstract

From its size, location and structure, the prostate is one of the most suitable organs for the diagnostic application of ultrasound. Transrectal ultrasonography with transrectal linear array probe was per. formed in 19 controls and 36 patients with prostatic disease to evaluate the size and morphology of prostate. The following results were obtained: 1. The average values of maximum anteroposterior, superiorinferior and transverse diameter obtained from ultrasonograms were 2.2O+/-0.30cm, 3.38+/-0.35cm, 4.18+0.35cm in control group; 3.16+/-0.78 cm, 4.79+/-0.84 cm, 5.13+/-0.62cm in BPH; 3.40+/-0.84cm, 5.25+ 1.95cm, 5.73+/-1.16cm in prostatic cancer. 2. In a comparison of sonography and x-ray for detecting prostatic calculi, the detection rate of sonography (54.5 %) was higher than x-ray (25.5%). 3. Diagnostic accuracy of sonography was 88% in BPH and 100% in prostatic cancer. 4. Ultrasonographic findings in BPH were enlarged in size, homogeneity in echo pattern and all capsular echoes are continuous. In prostatic cancers, which have mixed echo pattern and capsule is thick with discontinuity. 5. Transrectal sonography is especially useful in estimating prostatic size and in detecting pathology such as BPH, prostatic cancer, prostatitis and abscess.