The Findings of Transrectal Ultrasonography in Evaluation of Chronic Prostatitis

Choi, Young In; Choi, Hi Seog

Abstract

Chronic prostatitis is very common urologic disease, but its symptomatology is varied and nondiagnostic. We have performed transrectal ultrasonography in 66 cases of patients who were impressed as chronic prostatitis based upon their symptoms and physical findings for the purpose of evaluating the role of transrectal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of chronic prostatitis.The results were summarized as follows;1. In microscopic findings of prostatic secretion, 20 cases(Group I ) showed W.B.C. less than 10/H.P.F and 16 cases(Group II ) showed W.B.C. more than 10/H.P.F. 2. The abnormal findings of transrectal sonography in chronic prostatitis were as follows; 1) Echolucent zones; 22 cases(39%) 2) Calcification; 37 cases( 56%). 3) Heterogeneous echo; 40 cases( 61%). 4) Capsular irregularity or thickening; 35 cases( 50%) 5) Periurethral zone irregularity, 28 cases(42%). 6) Echolucent 'halo' sign; 33 cases( 50%). 7) Seminal vesicle or ejaculatory duct abnormality; 18 cases(27%). 3. Among above findings, l), 2), 3), 4), 5) findings were more frequently detected in Group II than in Group I (p<0.05). 4. The combined detection rate of l), 2), 3), 4), 5) findings were statistically higher in Group II than in Group I (p<0.05). 5. High grade l), 2), 3), 4), 5) findings were more frequently detected in Group II than in Group I (p<0.05). Our results suggest that although transrectal ultrasonography is not diagnostic for chronic prostatitis, it may be an useful adjuvant diagnostic modality to laboratory studies in the evaluation of chronic prostatitis.