Transrectal ultrasound may be helpful in the workup of prostatitis for evaluating which conditions?

Transrectal ultrasound may be helpful in the workup of prostatitis for evaluating which conditions?

• A. Renal abscess only
• B. Prostatic abscess or calculi
• C. Bladder malignancy
• D. Urethral stricture

Answer: (B)

Transrectal ultrasound is particularly useful in prostatitis when there is concern for intra-prostatic complications such as abscess or calculi. It directly images the prostate and can reveal a focal fluid collection or pus-filled cavity consistent with an abscess, which may require needle drainage or targeted therapy. It can also detect prostatic calculi, which can contribute to chronic infection or persistent symptoms and help steer management. This imaging modality is specifically focused on the prostate, making it the best tool for identifying these intra-glandular issues. Conditions outside the prostate—like renal abscess, bladder malignancy, or urethral stricture—are not typically evaluated with transrectal ultrasound. Renal abscess is assessed with renal ultrasound or CT; bladder cancer is usually evaluated with cystoscopy and bladder imaging; urethral stricture is assessed with urethrography or urethral imaging.

Transrectal ultrasound is particularly useful in prostatitis when there is concern for intra-prostatic complications such as abscess or calculi. It directly images the prostate and can reveal a focal fluid collection or pus-filled cavity consistent with an abscess, which may require needle drainage or targeted therapy. It can also detect prostatic calculi, which can contribute to chronic infection or persistent symptoms and help steer management. This imaging modality is specifically focused on the prostate, making it the best tool for identifying these intra-glandular issues.

Conditions outside the prostate—like renal abscess, bladder malignancy, or urethral stricture—are not typically evaluated with transrectal ultrasound. Renal abscess is assessed with renal ultrasound or CT; bladder cancer is usually evaluated with cystoscopy and bladder imaging; urethral stricture is assessed with urethrography or urethral imaging.