Microangiographic imaging of the prostate.

OBJECTIVE

To present the results of microangiography in visualizing prostatic microvascularization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A contrast medium was injected into the vessels of prostate specimens obtained during surgery, to fill small vessels; nine specimens were obtained after cystoprostatectomy and two after radical prostatectomy. Branches of prostatic or seminal vesicle arteries were used for the injection, the specimens then fixed in formalin, sectioned and X-rayed.

RESULTS

In five samples the quality of the images was sufficient to visualize small arteries; the remaining vessels were partially filled. The vascular map was compared with previous results from historadiographic studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Microangiographic imaging of prostate specimens provides a unique view of the angioarchitecture of the prostate and correlates closely with historadiographic studies. The correlation with other imaging methods, e.g. Doppler ultrasonography, needs further evaluation.