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Prevalence and Characteristics of Prostatic Utricles: A Retrospective MRI Study in Middle-Aged to Elderly Men
Tomer Bashi1,2, Shoni Kamshov1,3, Adi Kidron1,2
1Pediatric Urology, Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
Background:
Congenital urological malformations encompass a wide range of anomalies affecting the urinary tract and reproductive organs. MRI has emerged as a diagnostic tool in identifying these conditions. Prostatic utricle is an enlarged diverticulum in the posterior urethra, which results from incomplete degradation of the Müllerian ducts or decreased androgenic stimulation of the urogenital sinus. Prostatic utricle is an uncommon congenital anomalies, with 1% incidence in autopsy findings and clinical prevalence of 5% in urologic patients.
Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed 5819 prostate MRI interpretations from 4990 unique patients. The primary objective was to identify congenital abnormalities, focusing on the presence of a utricle and other related anomalies. Prostates suspected to have utricles were reevaluated by genitourinary specialized radiologist and utricles size were measured.
Results:
The study identified 127 patients positive for a utricle with an average age of 66 years at examination among the unique cohort. The average prostate size for patients with a utricle was 78.3 cc and the average utricle size was 0.4 cm3. Statistical analysis did not demonstrate any statistical trend between prostate size, age or PSA to utricle size. Additional congenital anomalies detected included one patient with a seminal vesicle cyst, one patient with right seminal vesicle agenesis and bilateral vas deferens agenesis, and two patients with ureterocele.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of prostate utricle within a cohort of 4990 middle-aged to elderly men is 2.54%.
Insights
The prevalence of prostate utricle in middle-aged to elderly men is 2.54%. This congenital anomaly, an enlarged diverticulum of the posterior urethra, was identified in 127 out of 4990 patients via MRI.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Radiology
- Congenital Anomalies
Background:
- Congenital urological malformations affect the urinary and reproductive tracts.
- Prostatic utricle, a posterior urethral diverticulum, arises from developmental anomalies.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosing these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of prostatic utricle in a large cohort.
- To identify associated congenital anomalies using prostate MRI.
- To analyze potential correlations between utricle size and patient factors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 5819 prostate MRI interpretations from 4990 unique patients.
- Identification and reevaluation of utricles by genitourinary radiologists.
- Measurement of utricle size and assessment of related congenital abnormalities.
Main Results:
- A prostatic utricle was identified in 127 patients (2.54% prevalence).
- Average patient age was 66 years, with average prostate volume of 78.3 cc and utricle size of 0.4 cm³.
- No statistical correlation found between prostate size, age, or PSA and utricle size; other anomalies included seminal vesicle cyst and ureterocele.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of prostatic utricle in this cohort is 2.54%.
- Prostate MRI is effective in detecting prostatic utricles and associated anomalies.
- Further research may explore clinical significance and management of prostatic utricles.
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