[Echotomographic evaluation of the anterior urethra]

A simple method of sonographic (US) evaluation of penile and bulbous urethra is reported. Twenty-three dysuric patients were examined. They were divided into 2 groups according to their pathology. The US patterns of normal urethra were evaluated in 10 patients (first group) with no obstructive lesions. Urethral and periurethral structures were examined in 13 patients (second group) with urethral obstructive pathology. All patients underwent conventional cystourethrography. The diagnostic parameters considered were urethral gauge and thickness, echogenicity of the urethral wall, and Cowper's glands. US evaluation of obstructive lesions provided the same findings as conventional radiological techniques. Moreover, US allowed the evaluation of both thickness and echogenicity of the urethral wall, and of normal/injured Cowper's glands.