[Transrectal ultrasound tomography with an electronic line scanner]

Among the imaging techniques for the morphologic diagnosis of the prostate and seminal vesicles transrectal sonography has assumed a foremost position. With the aid of longitudinal sectional images of the prostate and seminal vesicles obtained by means of a newly developed transrectal linear scanner the typical sonic characteristics associated with morphologic alterations of these organs were well demonstrated in 58 patients. For clarifying sonographic findings suggestive of carcinomas this approach can be used for precisely guided transperineal and above all transrectal puncture. Sonographic imaging of the prostatic urethra has opened new aspects in the assessment of functional processes on the basis of morphologic changes.