Transrectal US of the seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts: clinical correlation

Transrectal ultrasonography (US) provides excellent anatomic detail of pathologic changes in the seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts. Fifty-two patients with US findings of seminal vesicle dilatation or cysts, ejaculatory duct cysts, or seminal vesicle or ejaculatory duct calculi were given questionnaires concerning a broad spectrum of genito-urinary symptoms. Compared with age-matched controls with normal US findings, patients with calculi in the seminal vesicles or ejaculatory ducts had a significantly increased prevalence of hematospermia and ejaculatory pain (P less than .01), and patients with cystic dilatation of the seminal vesicles were more likely to have perineal pain. Large midline cysts containing calculi or debris were symptomatic and probably represent müllerian duct remnants. Small cysts of the ejaculatory ducts were asymptomatic. Transrectal US may provide clinical insight into the causes of significant genitourinary symptoms that may previously have been ascribed to chronic nonbacterial prostatitis or have been considered to be idiopathic.