Endorectal magnetic resonance imaging in persistent hemospermia

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To present the spectrum of abnormalities found at endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (E-MRI), in patients with persistent hemospermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of E-MRI findings observed in 86 patients with persistent hemospermia was performed and results compared with those reported in the literature. Follow-up was possible in 37 of 86 (43 percent) patients with hemospermia. RESULTS: E-MRI showed abnormal findings in 52 of 86 (60 percent) patients with hemospermia. These findings were: a) hemorrhagic seminal vesicle and ejaculatory duct, isolated (n = 11 or 21 percent) or associated with complicated midline prostatic cyst (n = 10 or 19.0 percent); b) hemorrhagic chronic seminal vesiculitis, isolated (n = 14 or 27 percent) or associated with calculi within dilated ejaculatory ducts (n = 2 or 4 percent); c) hemorrhagic seminal vesicle associated with calculi within dilated ejaculatory duct (n = 4 or 7.7 percent) or within seminal vesicle (n = 4 or 7.7 percent); d) non-complicated midline prostatic cyst (n = 6 or 11.5 percent); and e) prostate cancer (n = 1 or 2 percent). Successful treatment was more frequent in patients with chronic inflammatory and/or obstructive abnormalities. CONCLUSION: E-MRI should be considered the modality of choice, for the evaluation of patients with persistent hemospermia.