The association between seminal vesicle size and duration of abstinence from ejaculation

Imaging of seminal vesicles: a pictorial review

The seminal vesicles are frequently overlooked when reviewing abdominal and pelvic imaging studies, and normal variants and pathologic conditions are often missed or misinterpreted. This is largely due to lack of familiarity with the organ, its anatomic variants, congenital abnormalities and disease conditions. This pictorial review aims to familiarize the reader with the range of normal appearances, congenital anomalies and disease entities that involve the seminal vesicles to avoid overtreatment and misdiagnoses.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Manifestations in 13 Cases of Seminal Vesicle Tuberculosis

Objective

This study aimed to examine the radiographic manifestations of seminal vesicle tuberculosis (SVT) on magnetic resonance imaging to gain a deeper understanding of this disease.

Methods

The clinical symptoms, general conditions, relevant laboratory tests and radiological data of 13 patients diagnosed with SVT were collected through bacteriological examination. A descriptive analysis was used to explore the composition ratio and rate values of the collected data.

Results

All 13 cases (100.0%) showed isointense signals on T1WI and hypointense signals on T2WI in the affected seminal vesicles, with the disappearance of the multi-chambered high signal on T2WI in normal seminal vesicles. Eight cases (61.5%) showed diffusion restriction on DWI of the affected seminal vesicle and significant enhancement on the contrast scan, whereas five cases (38.5%) showed unrestricted diffusion and mild enhancement on the contrast scan. Patients with significant enhancements exhibited higher counts and neutrophil percentages than patients with mild enhancements, with statistically significant differences (Z = 2.196, P = 0.030; Z = 2.781, P = 0.003, respectively). The counts and percentage of lymphocytes, CD3+T cells and CD4+T cells were significantly lower in patients with significant enhancements than in those with mild enhancements, with statistically significant differences (Z = -2.196, P = 0.030; Z = -2.928, P = 0.002; Z = -2.928, P = 0.002; Z = -2.928, P = 0.002, respectively). Patients with significant enhancements were more likely to have active pulmonary tuberculosis than those with mild enhancements, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.035).

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance imaging reveals distinct radiographic features of SVT, and variations in imaging presentations can indicate a patient's immune status.

Staging accuracy of MRI of the prostate with special reference to the influence of the time of last ejaculation on the detection of seminal vesicle invasion

AIM

To evaluate the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System, version 2.1 (PIRADS V2.1) criteria for seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) and examine whether the timing of last ejaculation influences the detection of SVI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study population consisted of 68 patients (34 with SVI, 34 without SVI, matching groups by age and prostate volume) who underwent PIRADS V2.1-compliant multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 34 at 1.5 T, 34 at 3 T). Before the examination, the time of last ejaculation (38/68 ≤ 5 days, 30/68 > 5 days) was collected via a questionnaire. The five PIRADS V2.1 criteria for SVI with subsequent overall assessment were evaluated retrospectively by two independent examiners (examiner 1 with >10 years of experience, examiner 2 with 6 months of experience) in a single-blinded fashion for all patients using a questionnaire and a six-point scale (0 = no, 1 = very likely not, 2 = probably not, 3 = possible, 4 = probable, 5 = certain).

RESULTS

E1 achieved high specificity (100%) and positive predictive value (PPV; 100%) in the overall assessment, independent of the time of last ejaculation (sensitivity = 76.5%, negative predictive value [NPV] = 81%). The area under the curve (AUC) value was 0.882; for E2, it was 0.765. At ≤5 days, the AUC values of E1 and E2 differed significantly (0.867 versus 0.681, p=0.016), as did the diffusion restriction criterion (0.833 versus 0.681, p=0.028). E1 showed high AUC values independent of time. E2 had better values for all criteria at >5 days than at ≤5 days. There were no significant differences between the examiners in all observations at >5 days.

CONCLUSION

The PIRADS V2.1 criteria are well suited for an experienced examiner to detect SVI independent of time point. An inexperienced examiner will benefit from patients being abstinent >5 days prior to MRI.

mpMRI of the Prostate (MR-Prostatography): Updated Recommendations of the DRG and BDR on Patient Preparation and Scanning Protocol

The Working Group Uroradiology and Urogenital Diagnosis of the German Roentgen Society (DRG) revised and updated the recommendations for preparation and scanning protocol of the multiparametric MRI of the Prostate in a consensus process and harmonized it with the managing board of German Roentgen Society and Professional Association of the German Radiologist (BDR e. V.). These detailed recommendation define the referenced "validated quality standards" of the German S3-Guideline Prostate Cancer and describe in detail the topic 1. anamnestic datas, 2. termination of examinations and preparation of examinations, 3. examination protocol and 4. MRI-(in-bore)-biopsy. KEY POINTS:: · The recommendations for preparation and scanning protocol of the multiparametric MRI of the Prostate were revised and updated in a consensus process and harmonized with the managing board of German Roentgen Society (DRG) and Professional Asssociation of the German Radiologist (BDR).. · Detailed recommendations are given for topic 1. anamnestic datas, 2. termination and preparation of examinations, 3. examination protocoll and 4. MRI-(in-bore)-biopsy.. · These recommendations define the referenced "validated quality standards" of the German S3-Guideline Prostate Cancer.. CITATION FORMAT: · Franiel T, Asbach P, Beyersdorff D et al. mpMRI of the Prostate (MR-Prostatography): Updated Recommendations of the DRG and BDR on Patient Preparation and Examination Protocol. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 763 - 776.

Magnetic resonance imaging and clinical findings in seminal vesicle pathologies

PURPOSE

Congenital and acquired pathologies of the seminal vesicles (SV) are rare diseases. The diagnosis of SV anomalies is frequently delayed or wrong due to the rarity of these diseases and the lack of adequate evaluation of SV pathology. For this reason, we aimed to comprehensively evaluate SV pathologies and accompanying genitourinary system abnormalities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between March 2012 and December 2015, 1455 male patients with different provisional diagnosis underwent MRI. Congenital and acquired pathology of the SV was identified in 42 of these patients. The patients were categorized according to their SV pathologies. The patients were analyzed in terms of genitourinary system findings associated with SV pathologies.

RESULTS

SV pathologies were accompanied by other genitourinary system findings. Congenital SV pathologies were bilateral or predominantly in the left SV. Patients with bilateral SV hypoplasia were diagnosed at an earlier age compared to patients with unilateral SV agenesis. There was a significant association between abnormal signal intensity in the SV and benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) and patient age.

CONCLUSION

SV pathologies are rare diseases of the genitourinary system. The association between seminal vesicle pathology and other genitourinary system diseases requires complete genitourinary system evaluation that includes the seminal vesicles.