Prostatic calculi
Medical condition
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Prostatic calculi (PC), prostatic stones, prostatic calcification or prostatic lithiasis, are hyper-echoic mineral deposits in the prostate that are frequently detected incidentally during transabdominal ultrasonography, transrectal ultrasonography, or computed tomography.[1][2][3]
| Prostatic calculi | |
|---|---|
| Other names | prostatic stones, prostatic calcification, prostatic lithiasis |
| |
| Transrectal ultrasound of prostatic stones in the peri-urethral zone of the prostate | |
| Specialty | Urology |
| Symptoms | Typically asymptomatic |
| Complications | Lower urinary tract symptoms |
| Types | Endogenous stones, extrinsic stones |
| Risk factors | Comorbid benign prostatic hyperplasia |
Formation
There are two main types of prostatic calculi:
- Endogenous stones: These are small stones formed within the acini of the prostate. They have a higher correlation with age.[3]
- Extrinsic stones: These stones are usually larger and formed due to the reflux of urine into the prostate.[3]
The exact mechanism of the development of prostatic calculi is still unclear.[3]
Prevalence
In a study of young adults in Greece (aged 21–50, mean age 40.9 years), the prevalence was found to be 7.35%.[4] While among urologic patients in South Korea (aged 29–89, mean age 61.9 years), the prevalence was 40.7%.[5]
The prevalence is notably higher in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, ranging from 68.8% to 70%.[3] Additionally, a study conducted in Cleveland reported that 46.8% of patients with chronic pelvic pain had stones larger than 3 mm.[6]
Composition
Calcium phosphate is the most common component of prostatic calculi, accounting for more than 80% of cases.[1]
Clinical significance
Most cases of prostatic calculi are asymptomatic.[3] Its clinical significance is debated.[2] While some studies report no significant association between PC and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), others suggest it can aggravate LUTS, chronic prostatitis, and sexual dysfunction.[1]