Transrectal ultrasound anatomy of the prostate and seminal vesicles in healthy men

Objective: This study involved transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) examination of the prostate and seminal vesicles in healthy males, for use as a reference. Material and Methods: A total of 125 men (aged 20-69 years) with no history or symptoms of urogenital disease underwent TRUS. Prostate size (both total and central gland), focal lesions such as calcifications, hyper- and hypoechoic areas, cysts, and size and lobulation of the seminal vesicles were noted and related to age. Results: The prostate measured 19.2 +/- 4 cm(3) and calcifications were found in 23.1% of men aged 20-29 years compared with 35.5 +/- 12.5 cm(3) and 83% for men aged 60-69 years. Overall, hyperechoic areas were found in 59.2% of those examined, cysts in 16.8% and hypoechoic areas in about 11%, predominantly in the peripheral zone. Totally normal sonograms were seen in 29% of the men under the age of 40 and in 5% of the men aged 40 or older. Conclusions: TRUS examinations of healthy males are seldom without sonographic changes. This study provides the frequencies with which these changes occur in healthy males of various ages, all without urogenital symptoms, and may be used for future comparisons with different pathological conditions.