Transrectal sonography of the seminal vesicles in acute and chronic inflammatory disease

Transrectal US is an excellent method for visualizing the seminal vesicles. Five men, aged 24 to 40 years, were evaluated for symptoms consistent with acute prostatitis or urethritis. In all patients, enlargement of one or both seminal vesicles was noted. In two patients, US demonstrated a solitary fluid collection; these collections were aspirated under US guidance, with complete resolution of symptoms. In several asymptomatic patients US demonstrated changes, often asymmetric, in the size, contour, or echogenicity of the seminal vesicles, including cystic changes and prominent ejaculatory ducts. On questioning, many of these patients recalled a ''prostate infection.''