CT depiction of prostatic zonal anatomy

The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of recognition of prostatic zonal anatomy on CT. Computed tomography in 71 patients without known prostate disease was reviewed. Differential attenuation allowed for distinction of the peripheral zone and central gland of the prostate in 24% patients. The peripheral zone was of lower attenuation than the central gland, attributable to relatively increased water content in the peripheral zone. Patients in whom zonal anatomy was evident were significantly older and had prostate glands significantly larger than those in whom the prostate appeared as a homogeneous structure. All patients in whom prostatic zonal anatomy was visualized had received intravenous contrast material injection. Development of benign prostatic hyperplasia nodules within the central gland may contribute to relative increased attenuation or increased contrast enhancement within this region of the prostate gland.