Seminal vesicle abscesses: spectrum of computed tomographic findings

The computed tomographic (CT) findings in four cases of seminal vesicle abscess are presented. The predominant infectious organism in two cases was Escherichia coli, one case was probably caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and another by atypical mycobacterium. The CT findings included unilateral (three cases) or bilateral involvement (one case), seminal vesicle enlargement with hypodense areas within the gland (three cases), adjacent perivesicle inflammation (three cases), and associated bladder wall thickening (three cases). Although the diagnosis of seminal vesicle abscess is often overlooked clinically, CT may help suggest the correct diagnosis early thereby helping to initiate therapy.