Transrectal ultrasonography in male subfertility patients: an intra- and interobserver study

The purpose of this paper was to examine whether ultrasound abnormalities o f the prostate and seminal vesicles, which may be related to male accessory gland infection, are reproducible. Forty-seven men attending an infertilit y clinic were studied. Imaging findings of transrectal ultrasonography were recorded. Kappa (kappa)-values to determine the intra-and interobserver va riation were assessed. Calcifications have good intra-observer (kappa = 0.7 7; 95% CI: 0.59-0.96) and good inter-observer reproducibility (kappa = 0.73 ; 95% CI: 0.54-0.93). Dilatation of the peri-prostatic plexus had moderate intra-observer (kappa = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.33-0.80) and good inter-observer re producibility (kappa = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.55-0.94). Other ultrasound abnormali ties of the prostate were not reproducible. None of the ultrasound abnormal ities of the seminal vesicles were reproducible. In our study the prevalenc e of ultrasound abnormalities which may be related to male accessory gland infection was as high as 96%. However, only calcifications and dilatation o f the venous plexus had good reproducibility. Other observed ultrasound abn ormalities of the prostate and seminal vesicles were poorly reproducible an d are therefore of no use in the diagnosis of male accessory gland infectio n.