The prevalence of cystic abnormalities of the prostate involving the ejaculatory ducts as detected by transrectal ultrasound.

PURPOSE

To determine the prevalence of cystic lesions of the prostate involving the ejaculatory ducts using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The prevalence of cystic lesions of the prostate involving the ejaculatory ducts was determined in a prostate cancer screening group and also in an "at risk" population of men with infertility.

RESULTS

Cystic lesions of the prostate involving the ejaculatory ducts as detected by TRUS were detected in 5.0% (20 of 400 consecutive men) in a prostate cancer screening population. In contrast, these abnormalities were present in 17.0% (23/135) of the "at risk" infertile men who had TRUS performed.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest series to date defining the prevalence of TRUS-identified cystic lesions of the prostate in a non-infertility population. While cystic lesions of the prostate involving the ejaculatory duct are uncommon in an otherwise healthy and fertile male, their prevalence increases in infertile men whose examination and semen analyses make them "at risk" for having ductal obstruction.