Transrectal ultrasonographic features of midline prostatic cysts in infertile men and their semen analysis / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the transrectal ultrasonographic (TRUS) features of midline prostatic cysts and the semen analysis in infertile men. Methods The ultrasonographic characteristics of midline prostatic cysts were retrospectively analyzed in 34 infertile men, who underwent transrectal ultrasound and semen analysis in Suzhou Hospitial Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from November 2013 to October 2014. Results Thirty-four patients were detected by transrectal ultrasound with anechoic areas in their prostates. Among them, the cysts could be divided into 3 groups17 ejaculatory duct cyst, 11 mullerian duct cyst and 6 true prostatic cyst. Ejaculatory duct cysts was connected with ipsilateral seminal vesicle and pointed to seminal hillock showing a water-drop shape on longitudinal view of ultrasound. Mullerian dust cysts were located at the base of the prostates behind the urethra with a water-drop shape on longitudinal view. True prostatic cysts were inside the prostates or under the prostate capsules with a round or oval shape either on longitudinal view or transverse view of ultrasound. Therefore, these midline prostate cysts could be differentiated by their anatomical position and shape. These patients then underwent semen analysis. By semen analysis, there were 13, 4, 1 aspermia and 2, 6, 2 oligospermia in patients with ejaculatory dust cysts, mullerian duct cysts, and true prostatic cysts, respectively. Conclusions Transrectal ultrasound can provide accurate information about the anatomical position and shape of midline prostatic cysts in infertile men. Combined with semen analysis, transrectal ultrasound can provide a reliable evidence for clinical treatment.