MR imaging of male infertility with an endorectal surface coil.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to define the abnormal findings of the prostate and seminal tract on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging by using an endorectal coil in patients with suspected obstructive infertility. MR imaging of the seminal tract with an endorectal surface coil was performed on 20 consecutive patients who were suspected of having obstructive infertility. Diffuse atrophy of the seminal vesicles (SVs) was seen in eight patients (40%) and was the most prevalent abnormal finding. It was most often associated with an irregular thickening of the vasa deferentia and small prostate (n = 4; 20%). Other abnormal findings were two mullerian duct cysts; and four cases of the aplasia of SV and vasa deferentia, three of which were associated with rudimentary mesonephric duct. MR imaging of the seminal tract with an endorectal surface coil can clearly demonstrate the various abnormalities of the seminal tract in obstructive infertility.