CT features of perirectal fascia thickening after transurethral resection of prostatic adenoma

Thickening of the perirectal fascia (PRF) has been described as a CT sign of local extension of pelvic cancers. It has been observed also after radiation therapy and various pelvic surgical procedures. To demonstrate prospectively its nonspecificity, we systematically looked for such thickening before and after consecutive uneventful transurethral prostatic resections in 17 patients presenting with benign adenomas and in one patient with an unexpected prostatic carcinoma. In six patients (33%) obvious PRF thickening appeared on postoperative CT. Thus, this cause of fascial thickening must be considered when evaluating pelvic cancers.