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MR imaging of the seminal vesicles
E Secaf1, R N Nuruddin, H Hricak
1Department of Radiology, University of California, School of Medicine, San Francisco 94143-0628.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging reveals how seminal vesicle appearance changes with age and disease. MR imaging aids in detecting seminal vesicle abnormalities but cannot distinguish benign from malignant conditions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Urology
Background:
- Seminal vesicle imaging characteristics vary with patient age.
- Age-related changes in seminal vesicle signal intensity on T2-weighted MR images are documented.
- Endocrine and radiation therapies affect seminal vesicle appearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the spectrum of seminal vesicle diseases visualized by MR imaging.
- To illustrate congenital anomalies, inflammation, and neoplastic diseases of the seminal vesicles.
- To highlight the utility and limitations of MR imaging in assessing seminal vesicle pathology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MR imaging at 0.35 and 1.50 Tesla.
- Assessed the size and signal intensity of seminal vesicles.
- Correlated imaging findings with patient age and clinical conditions.
Main Results:
- Normal seminal vesicle size and signal intensity demonstrate age-dependent variations.
- T2-weighted signal intensity relative to fat differs in prepubertal children, adults, and elderly patients (>70 years).
- Therapeutic interventions like endocrine and radiation therapy alter seminal vesicle imaging features.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging is valuable for depicting seminal vesicle abnormalities.
- MR imaging cannot reliably differentiate benign from malignant diseases.
- Distinguishing tumor-related hemorrhage from postbiopsy changes and tumor infiltration from mechanical compression is challenging with MR imaging.