VOLUME 34 - NUMBER 9-10 - 2013

Prostatic abscess after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. Case report


  • Dell'Atti L.
  • Clinical practice, 260-262
  • Full text PDF

  • Prostatic abscess (PA) is an uncommon complication after transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy with possible heavy outcome too. In this case report (a 68-year-old patient) prostatic abscess presents non specific symptoms: dysuria, supra-pubic pain, urinary frequency, fever 36.0°C (96.8°F). Full blood count, serum urea, electrolytes, liver function test and serum amylase were all normal. There was no growth in his urine culture. Diagnosis is based on digital rectal examination and transrectal ultrasonography. With transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) we observed a hypoechoic area that contained inhomogeneus material. Color and power Doppler sonography showed a hypovascular fluid collection surrounded by perilesional increased parenchymal flow. TRUS-guided aspiration was performed with an 18 Gauge Chiba needle and the pathogen identified was Escherichia Coli. TRUS of the prostate 1 month later showed complete resolution of the PA and patient remained free of any lower urinary tract symptoms.

  • KEY WORDS: Prostatic abscess - Prostate biopsy - Complication - Sepsis.