Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing
Published on: August 14, 2019
Acute prostatitis in middle-aged men: a prospective study
S Kravchick1, S Cytron, L Agulansky
1Department of Urology, Barzilai Medical Centre, Ashkelon, Israel. cambell@netvision.net.il
Objectives:
To determine the clinical outcome of middle-aged men with acute prostatitis, the optimum time for re-assessing their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and to detect any possible echotextural and vascular changes that remain as a consequence of acute inflammation.
Patients And Methods:
Persistent fever prompted a re-evaluation for prostatic abscess formation in 28 middle-aged men, using transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) colour Doppler imaging, undertaken at the 3-, 6- and 12-month visits. The results of TRUS were compared with laboratory data and clinical outcome.
Results:
Two abscesses were detected; 19 (68%) of the patients remained infection-free at the 3-month visit. Serum PSA levels were elevated in 11 (39%) of the patients at this visit; three prostate carcinomas were diagnosed. Increased intraprostatic colour flow was detected in 68% and there were hypoechoic areas in 46% of the patients.
Conclusion:
The re-evaluation for abscess formation should not be postponed for > 48 h. Patients with acute prostatitis tend to have persistent infection. PSA levels could be high even up to 3 months after an acute episode. Middle-aged men with carcinoma could be missed during the acute phase of inflammation. PSA and TRUS monitoring are strongly recommended.
Insights
Acute prostatitis in middle-aged men can lead to persistent infection and elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels for up to 3 months. Early re-evaluation for abscesses and ongoing PSA and TRUS monitoring are crucial for optimal clinical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Andrology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Acute prostatitis is common in middle-aged men.
- Persistent symptoms necessitate further investigation.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and imaging are key diagnostic tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical outcomes of middle-aged men with acute prostatitis.
- To determine optimal timing for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reassessment.
- To identify residual echotextural and vascular changes post-inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) with color Doppler imaging was used.
- 28 middle-aged men were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months.
- TRUS results were correlated with laboratory data and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Two prostatic abscesses were detected.
- 19 patients (68%) were infection-free at 3 months.
- Elevated PSA levels were observed in 39% of patients at 3 months, with three prostate carcinomas diagnosed. Increased intraprostatic color flow (68%) and hypoechoic areas (46%) were noted.
Conclusions:
- Abscess re-evaluation should occur within 48 hours.
- Acute prostatitis patients often experience persistent infection.
- PSA levels can remain elevated for up to 3 months; PSA and TRUS monitoring are recommended to avoid missing prostate cancer during acute inflammation.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
