Sonourethrography in Evaluation of Abnormalities of Anterior Male Urethra.

Abstract

Urethral pathologies are common problem affecting male anterior urethra. The male urethral imaging and pathology is not widespread in radiology literature because this part of the urinary tract is easily studied by urologists. Retrograde urethrography (RGU) and voiding cystourethrography have been the standard imaging studies for the evaluation of male anterior urethra, which involves the use of radiation and contrast medium to visualize luminal anatomy and gives limited information about periurethral structures. Radiation is harmful especially to the gonads which are frequently exposed during these examinations. Patients with urethral problems frequently and repeatedly require these examinations. Sonourethrography with high-resolution ultrasound has an important role to play in the study of the diseases of the male urethra since it can detect pathology not visible on urethroscopy, specifically periurethral pathologies. As a dynamic, three-dimensional study, which can be repeated without radiation exposure, sonourethrography offers important advantages over conventional techniques. This study was undertaken to explore the uses of high-resolution ultrasound in evaluating abnormalities of the male anterior urethra.