A new ultrasound and clinical classification for management of prostatic abscess.

OBJECTIVES: In literature, most of the published data regarding prostatic abscess (PA) are case reports, whereas there is no standardization of the diagnostic and therapeutic routines. The purpose of this study is a new classification of ultrasound imaging of PA with clinical features correlation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the ultrasound database archives and performed a MEDLINE® research of the peer reviewed literature on diagnosis and case reports of PA using the terms "prostate and abscess".

RESULTS: PA can be classified into five Types: Type I - PA is present focally in a prostate lobe (≤ 10 mm). Type II - PA is present in a prostate lobe (> 10 mm) and/or partially overcrosses the border of the midline prostatic glandular. Type III - PA is present in both glandular lobes form of multifocal areas (≤ 10 mm). Type IV - PA is present in both glandular lobes form of multifocal areas (> 10 mm). Type V - PA involving intra or extraprostatic structures (bladder, urethra, seminal vesicles and prostatic capsule). The different ultrasound imaging and diagnostic criteria are listed for each type and subtype.

CONCLUSIONS: The sonographic pattern of PA is usually characteristic and easily differentiated from other glandular lesions. The purpose of the study was to associate the use of TRUS to a clinical standardized classification in order to facilitate PA diagnosis and localization directing the clinician treatment to the correct management and adequate therapeutic treatment.