RESUMO
Objective To investigate the morphologic characteristics of gonococcal inflammation of paraurethral glands in males. Methods Eleven male patients with gonococcal inflammation of paraurethral glands were examined by both real-time ultrasound imaging (Siemens Acuson X300) and 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, Philips Achieva). Results High-frequency ultrasound imaging revealed tubular echoic areas with well-defined borders and smooth margins in all the patients. The inside of these tubular areas was weak-echoic. These tubular echoic areas were blind in one end, but open in the other end, and ran in parallel with the urethra. The mean lumen diameter was 1.1 ± 0.2 mm (range, 0.7 - 1.3 mm) , and the mean lumen length was 8.4 ± 0.6 mm (range, 7.0 - 12.0 mm). Anechoic liquid-filled areas were seen in the tubular echoic areas in two patients. Paraurethral ducts were not detected by 3.0 T MRI in these patients. Conclusions High-frequency ultrasound imaging can clearly show the morphologic characteristics of gonococcal inflammation of paraurethral glands in males, and provide valuable ultrasound images for surgery.