Characteristics of normal prostate vascular anatomy as displayed by power Doppler.

BACKGROUND

To define the vascular anatomy of the normal prostate as depicted by power Doppler and to provide baseline data for evaluation of this modality in the diagnosis and management of prostatic disease.

METHODS

The vascular anatomy of 40 subjects was studied. Power Doppler images were correlated with corresponding gray-scale images. Doppler spectral waveform measurements were obtained for the vessels identified.

RESULTS

Separate branches of the capsular vessels were visualized clearly, distributed radially in the peripheral and central zones and converging toward the center of the gland. Urethral vessels were visualized in the transition zone coursing from bladder neck to verumontanum. The neurovascular bundles were identified posterolaterally along the length of the gland. No significant difference between the resistive indexes of the urethral and capsular vessels was identified (P = 0.595), although there was a significant difference between the resistive index of the neurovascular bundles and that the prostatic vessels (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The vascular anatomy of the normal prostate as displayed by power Doppler demonstrates a reproducible and symmetric flow pattern. Power Doppler is highly sensitive in depicting blood flow, the number, course, and continuity of vessels more readily than other imaging modalities, such as color Doppler. These data should allow comparison of the vascular anatomy of the normal prostate with that of the prostate with diseases such as prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.