Prostatic utricles without external genital anomalies in children: our experience, literature review, and pooling analysis.

BACKGROUND: It has been recognized that the incidence of prostatic utricle in boys is increasing and is closely associated with diseases such as hypospadias. However, the clinical features of prostatic utricle with normal external genitalia have received little attention. METHODS: Based on this, a series of 22 male children with prostatic utricles has been compiled by adding our 3 patients to 19 cases reported. All children enrolled had normal external genitalia. Clinical data of the case was reviewed. RESULTS: Urinary tract infection, purulent urethral discharge and pyuria were the most common presenting chief complaint (41%), irritative lower urinary tract symptoms were present in 17% of cases, obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms were noted in 14%. Urinary retention has been reported in 18% and epididymitis has been reported in 14%. Relatively rare clinical symptoms are abdominal pain, hematuria, and hematospermia. A case of calculus formation and a case of neoplasia within the prostatic utricle has been reported. A cystic mass found by digital rectal examination is the most common presenting sign. A utricular lesion posterior to the bladder was revealed by imaging examination. Unilateral renal agenesis was associated in 32% of reports. Non-surgical approach was chosen in 3 cases, transrectal ultrasonography guided aspiration has been reported in 1 case. Endoscopic techniques were used in 3 cases. Open excision was used in 11 cases. The laparoscopic excision was chosen in 3 cases and Robot-assisted laparoscopy was reported in 1 case. Symptoms and signs disappeared after treatment in all children, and no recurrence occurred during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate utricles without external genital anomalies are rarely reported in children, and are easily missed and misdiagnosed, often accompanied by recurrent urinary tract infections, lower urinary tract symptoms, epididymitis, dysuria and other symptoms. Imaging studies can confirm the diagnosis. Symptomatic and large utricles should be actively treated. The treatment program should be based on the age, clinical symptoms, and size and location of the utricle.

Mechanisms of Developmental Toxicity of Dioxins and Related Compounds.

Dioxins and related compounds induce morphological abnormalities in developing animals in an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-dependent manner. Here we review the studies in which 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is used as a prototypical compound to elucidate the pathogenesis of morphological abnormalities. TCDD-induced cleft palate in fetal mice involves a delay in palatogenesis and dissociation of fused palate shelves. TCDD-induced hydronephrosis, once considered to be caused by the anatomical obstruction of the ureter, is now separated into TCDD-induced obstructive and non-obstructive hydronephrosis, which develops during fetal and neonatal periods, respectively. In the latter, a prostaglandin E2 synthesis pathway and urine concentration system are involved. TCDD-induced abnormal development of prostate involves agenesis of the ventral lobe. A suggested mechanism is that AhR activation in the urogenital sinus mesenchyme by TCDD modulates the wingless-type MMTV integration site family (WNT)/ß-catenin signaling cascade to interfere with budding from urogenital sinus epithelium. TCDD exposure to zebrafish embryos induces loss of epicardium progenitor cells and heart malformation. AHR2-dependent downregulation of Sox9b expression in cardiomyocytes is a suggested underlying mechanism. TCDD-induced craniofacial malformation in zebrafish is considered to result from the AHR2-dependent reduction in SRY-box 9b (SOX9b), probably partly via the noncoding RNA slincR, resulting in the underdevelopment of chondrocytes and cartilage.

Surgical management of recto-prostatic and recto-bulbar anorectal malformations.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopically assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) was compared to posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) in the treatment of male imperforate anus associated with either recto-prostatic fistula (RPF) or recto-bulbar fistula (RBF). METHOD: 19 RPF patients (12 treated by LAARP and 7 by PSARP) and 26 RBF patients (14 treated by LAARP and 12 by PSARP) between 1995 and 2014 were retrospectively assessed using a fecal continence evaluation questionnaire (FCE) (with a maximum score of 10), an FCE score coefficient variation, as well patients' MRI scores, anorectal angle values (AA), and incidence of postoperative complications. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in mean age and mean weight at repair, as well as sacral status. Postoperatively, mean MRI scores, mean AA, and biochemistry were also similar (p = NS). All cases treated with LAARP showed consistently higher and less variable FCES values, fewer wound infection incidence, but greater rectal mucosal prolapse unrelated with sacrum status. Significantly lower doses of postoperative analgesia were needed in all LAARP cases (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Technical outcomes appear to be similar based on imaging studies, but FCES-assessed functional outcomes appear to favor LAARP for treatment of both RPF and RBF.

Indwelling Urinary Catheter-Related Problems After Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine occurrence rates of catheter-related problems and their association to pertinent clinical characteristics in men with indwelling urinary catheters following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive, correlational study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: One hundred twelve men who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy between December 2010 and December 2012 at the Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands were included in this study. After surgery, a Charriere 20 (20F) silicone catheter was left indwelling for 1 week. METHODS: Data were gathered from 2 sources; we reviewed participants' medical records, and participants completed a questionnaire designed for this study. Pearson χ tests were used to analyze associations between dichotomous and ordinal variables and catheter-related problems. Univariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the relationships between continuous factors and catheter-related problems. RESULTS: Seventy-five percent of participants reported at least 1 catheter-related problem. Univariate regression analyses revealed correlations between body weight and experiencing catheter-related problems (odds ratio [OR] = 1.050; P = .028) and between body mass index and experiencing catheter-related problems (OR = 1.159; P = .049). CONCLUSION: Indwelling catheter-related problems after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy are prevalent, and they may occur at any time during the entire period of catheter use. High body mass index and high body weight were associated with an increased likelihood of catheter-related problems following radical prostatectomy.

Ultrasonographic features of uterus masculinus in six dogs.

Uterus masculinus (persistent Mullerian duct) is a vestigial embryological remnant of the paramesonephric duct system in males and has been associated with clinical signs such as dysuria, incontinence, tenesmus and urethral obstruction in dogs. The radiological appearance of cystic uterus masculinus in dogs has been described previously with the aid of retrograde positive or negative contrast cystography. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe ultrasonographic features of confirmed or presumed uterus masculinus in a group of dogs with confirmed or presumed disease. Ultrasonographic findings were recorded based on a consensus opinion of two readers. A uterus masculinus was defined as cylindrical when no lumen was observed and tubular when it had lumen that was filled with anechoic fluid. Six dogs met the inclusion criterion with a mean age of 8 years and 9 months. Uterus masculinus appeared as single (four dogs) or two (two dogs) horn-like, tubular (four dogs) or cylindrical (two dogs) structures, originating from the craniodorsal aspect of the prostate gland and extending cranially. The walls of the uterus masculinus were isoechoic to the urinary bladder wall. The diameter of the observed uterus masculinus varied from 0.3 cm to 1 cm. The length of the uterus masculinus varied from 2 cm to 6.5 cm but the cranial terminal end was not identified in two dogs. Concomitant prostatomegaly was seen in five dogs (83.3%) and urinary tract infection was noted in three dogs (50%). Findings indicated that uterus masculinus should be included as a differential diagnosis for male dogs with these ultrasonographic characteristics.

Wnt signaling though beta-catenin is required for prostate lineage specification.

Androgens initiate a complex network of signals within the UGS that trigger prostate lineage commitment and bud formation. Given its contributions to organogenesis in other systems, we investigated a role for canonical Wnt signaling in prostate development. We developed a new method to achieve complete deletion of beta-catenin, the transcriptional coactivator required for canonical Wnt signaling, in early prostate development. Beta-catenin deletion abrogated canonical Wnt signaling and yielded prostate rudiments that exhibited dramatically decreased budding and failed to adopt prostatic identity. This requirement for canonical Wnt signaling was limited to a brief critical period during the initial molecular phase of prostate identity specification. Deletion of beta-catenin in the adult prostate did not significantly affect organ homeostasis. Collectively, these data establish that beta-catenin and Wnt signaling play key roles in prostate lineage specification and bud outgrowth.

A prostate utricle cyst as a cause of haematospermia in a young adult: a case report.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Prostatic utricle cyst is an embryological remnant of the Muller duct system, resulting from an incomplete regression of these structures during embryological development. Most of the time such congenital alteration is asymptomatic, but may sometimes present with various signs and symptoms, from urinary tract infections to episodes of haematospermia in a small percentage of cases. METHODS: We reported the case of a 42-years-old man who suffered from recurrent episodes of haematospermia for about 20 years; the instrumental examinations, first of all TRUS and then MRI evaluation, demonstrated the presence of a cystic formation, located in the posterior median site of the prostate closely to the prostatic urethra. RESULTS: The cytological examination on the liquid taken by transperineal US-guided fine-needle aspiration, confirmed the presence of seminal fluid and normal prostatic tissue consistent with the diagnostic hypothesis of prostatic utricle cyst. CONCLUSIONS: It's important to recognize the imaging characteristics of the prostatic utricle cyst since it may be one of the possible benign causes of hematospermia in the young adult subject.

Cystoscopic Management of Prostatic Utricles.

In this case series (n = 7) on prostatic utricles (PU), retention of urine was seen in 5 of 7, urinary tract infection (4 of 7), recurrent epidydymo-orchitis (3 of 7), and scrotal sinus (1 of 7). Voiding cystourethrogram established diagnosis in 3 of 7 patients while CT/MRI in 4 of 7 patients. Four patients were primarily managed by cystoscopic widening of mouth of PU. Three with large PU underwent initial open (2) or laparoscopic (1) excision but later warranted cystoscopic widening for residual PU. Excision (open/laparoscopic) has risk of damage to adjacent structures (nerves/vas/seminal vesicles) or leaving behind a residual PU. Cystoscopic management (primary/salvage) has less morbidity and relieves recurrent symptoms due to stasis of urine in PU.

New Insights on the Basic Science of Bladder Exstrophy-epispadias Complex.

The exstrophy-epispadias complex is a rare congenital anomaly presenting as a wide spectrum of disorders. The complex nature of this malformation leads to continuous investigations of the basic science concepts behind it. Elucidating these concepts allows one to fully understand the mechanisms behind the disease in order to improve diagnosis, management, and treatment ultimately leading to improvement in patient quality of life. Multiple technological advancements within the last 10 years have been made allowing for new studies to be conducted. Herein, the authors conduct a literature review of studies from 2009 to 2019, considering novel theories regarding the genetics, embryology, bladder, bony pelvis, prostate, and genitalia of patients with bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex.

Prostate-specific Klf6 inactivation impairs anterior prostate branching morphogenesis through increased activation of the Shh pathway.

Krüppel-like factor 6 (Klf6) belongs to a family of zinc finger transcription factors known to play a role in development and tumor suppression. Although Klf6 is highly mutated in prostate cancer, its function in prostate development is unknown. We have generated a prostate-specific Klf6-deficient mouse model and report here a novel role for Klf6 in the regulation of prostate branching morphogenesis. Importantly, our study reveals a novel relationship between Klf6 and the Shh pathway. Klf6-deficiency leads to elevated levels of hedgehog pathway components (Shh, Ptc, and Gli) and loss of their localized expression, which in turn causes impaired lateral branching.

Use of tissue engineering in treatment of the male genitourinary tract abnormalities.

INTRODUCTION: A variety of congenital and acquired male genitourinary tract abnormalities can lead to organ damage or tissue loss that requires surgical reconstruction. Traditional reconstructive methods do not produce consistent satisfactory structural or functional replacement and may damage the genitourinary tract. Tissue engineering provides a promising alternative for the treatment of these disorders. AIM: The aim of this article is to provide an update on clinical and experimental evidence concerning the application of tissue engineering to treatment of abnormalities in the male genitourinary tract system. METHODS: A PubMed search was performed to retrieve relevant clinical and basic literature. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The topics discussed in this review include the experimental and clinical application of tissue engineering for reconstruction of the urethra, penis, testis, and prostate. RESULTS: Tissue engineering techniques can provide a plentiful source of healthy tissue for reconstructive purposes. Acellular matrix scaffold and seed cells are two key elements in tissue engineering. Proper employment of seed cells and scaffold material may result in synergistic effects. Moreover, new tissue engineering technologies are being transferred from the laboratory to clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue engineering provides biological substitutes that can restore and maintain normal function in diseased and injured tissues, thus providing an effective technique for regeneration of the male genitourinary tract.

Toxic effect of gestational exposure to nonylphenol on F1 male rats.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine whether gestational exposure to major environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals, nonylphenol (NP), would lead to nerve behavioral and learning and memory capacity alterations in the male offspring of rats, and reproductive development alterations in the male offspring of rats. METHODS: Dams were gavaged with NP at a dose level of 50 mg/kg/day, 100 mg/kg/day or 200 mg/kg/day daily from gestational day 9 to 15, and at a dose level of 40 mg/kg/day, 80 mg/kg/day or 200 mg/kg/day daily from gestational day 14 to 19 (transplacental exposures). RESULTS: Exposure to 200 mg/kg/day NP produced a significant decrease in learning and memory functions in offspring rats (P<0.05) in Morris water maze task, as demonstrated by the increased escape latency and number of error. In Step-down Avoidance Test, offspring rats exposed to NP spent more reaction time (RT) and presented lower latency to first step-down than the control offspring (P<0.01). In utero exposure to 80 and 200 mg/kg/day NP produced a significant decrease in the number of live pups per litter and ratio of anogenital distance to body length on PND 0 (P<0.05), and also testes and prostate weight, activities of ALP, plasma testosterone concentration, cauda epididymis sperm counts, daily sperm production et al. respectively on PND 90 (P<0.05). Histopathological examination of the brain biopsy illustrates that exposure to NP at high dose induces the presence of abnormal distribution of spermatozoa showed in lumina of the seminiferous tubules, and absence of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis. CONCLUSION: Gestational exposure to nonylphenol might induce neurotoxic and reproductive toxic effects on F1 male rats.

Deletion of hepatocyte nuclear factor-1-beta in an infant with prune belly syndrome.

Prune belly syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by deficiency of abdominal wall muscles, cryptorchidism, and urinary tract anomalies. We have had the opportunity to study a baby with prune belly syndrome associated with an apparently de novo 1.3-megabase interstitial 17q12 microdeletion that includes the hepatocyte nuclear factor-1-beta gene at 17q12. One previous patient, an adult, has been reported with prune belly syndrome and a hepatocyte nuclear factor-1-beta microdeletion. Hepatocyte nuclear factor-1-beta is a widely expressed transcription factor that regulates tissue-specific gene expression and is expressed in numerous tissues including mesonephric duct derivatives, the renal tubule of the metanephros, and the developing prostate of the mouse. Mutations in hepatocyte nuclear factor-1-beta cause the "renal cysts and diabetes syndrome," isolated renal cystic dysplasia, and a variety of other malformations. Based on its expression pattern and the observation of two affected cases, we propose that haploinsufficiency of hepatocyte nuclear factor-1-beta may be causally related to the production of the prune belly syndrome phenotype through a mechanism of prostatic and ureteral hypoplasia that results in severe obstructive uropathy with urinary tract and abdominal distension.

Emphysematous prostatic abscess due to candidiasis: A case report and review of the literature.

RATIONALE: The emphysematous prostatic abscess is a rare but potentially life-threatening clinical condition. The early diagnosis is difficult due to nonspecific symptoms. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 72-year-old man with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus was admitted to hospital because of dysuria and acute urine retention. He had a refractory fever after admission. DIAGNOSES: The diagnosis of emphysematous prostatic abscess was confirmed by culture of catheterized urine and pelvic CT. INTERVENTIONS: We tried to give antimicrobial treatment and control of blood glucose at first, but the infection could not be controlled by antibiotic therapy and control of blood glucose. TRUS-guided aspiration was performed, but obviously not adequate for abscess drainage and the abscess progressed. TUR was then performed and the infection was gradually controlled. OUTCOMES: Pelvic CT scan 1 month after discharge showed complete resolution of the EPA. LESSONS: Given the poor conservative treatment effect of emphysematous prostatic abscesses, CT or TRUS should be performed in the patients with suspected diagnosis. Early and appropriate drainage with proper antibiotic therapy is important to achieve a favorable outcome.

Advances in prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is a common tumour type in Australian men. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to review important changes in prostate cancer diagnosis and management over the past five years, particularly as they pertain to general practice. DISCUSSION: The management of prostate cancer has changed significantly in recent years, particularly the use of imaging, with the introduction of prostate magnetic resonance imaging as routine in the diagnostic pathway, and the increasing use of prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography for early stratification in the salvage setting for failure of primary treatment in localised disease. In addition, upfront combinations of androgen deprivation therapy with other systemic treatments have yielded significant gains in overall survival for patients with metastatic disease. There has also been an increasing recognition of the association between germline DNA repair defects and progressive disease, and interest in the potential to identify patients for therapies that target these defects. There have been significant changes in how prostate cancer is diagnosed and managed in the past five years, with the introduction of new clinical pathways that were unprecedented just a decade previously.

Antenatally detected double prostatic utricle found in a neonate with ambiguous genitalia.

Although enlarged prostatic utricle is usually seen in patients with hypospadias and disorders of sex development, double utricle has not been reported without unilateral renal dysplasia and Wolffian duct anomaly. We present an unusual case of antenatally detected large pelvic cyst, which turned out to be one of double prostatic utricles in a neonate with ambiguous genitalia. The possibility of enlarged utricle should be considered in the differential diagnosis of antenatally detected pelvic cysts in neonates with ambiguous genitalia.

Morphologic variations of the prostatic utricle.

Anatomical variations of the prostatic utricle (PU) have rarely been reported despite an understanding of them being required for diagnosing and treating PU anomalies. This study was performed on 57 prostates to clarify the variations of this structure. Fifty prostates were dissected under a surgical microscope, five prostates were used for ultrasonography and dissection, and two others were processed for light microscopy and reconstructed into 3D models. The PU was classified into three types based on the location of its pouch. The most common type was one in which the PU projected out from between the two ejaculatory ducts. The site and shape of the utricular orifice were also diverse on the seminal colliculus, which was most commonly located on the distal three-fourths of the prostatic urethra. The results of this study clarified the variations in the anatomy of the PU and may help improve diagnosis and treatment of PU diseases.

A 46XX disorder of sex development with a prostate gland and increased level of prostate-specific antigen.

A 5-year-old child with precocious puberty and complete masculinization of the genitalia was diagnosed to have 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The patient was also found to have a prostate gland and increased prostate-specific antigen. The presence of a prostate and its relation to prostate-specific antigen and prostate adenocarcinoma are discussed in the light of the relevant literature.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic excision of prostatic utricle in a 3-year old.

Prostatic utricles have traditionally been excised via the open approach or laparoscopically. Recently, the robot-assisted laparoscopic approach has been described in a 19-year-old male. the case of a 3-year-old male with a disorder of sex development (mosaic 45X/46 XY), with multiple associated anomalies, who presented with recurrent UTI is presented. Renal/bladder ultrasound revealed normal bilateral kidneys, and a 4.3 × 2.8 × 3.3 cm cystic mass in the midline posterior to the bladder. Voiding cystourethrogram demonstrated a large cystic mass behind the bladder, concerning for large prostatic utricle. The patient was brought to the operating room and placed in lithotomy. The urethra was examined cystoscopically. The os of the utricle was identified, an open-ended catheter was advanced, the cystoscope was removed, and a Foley was placed. The camera port was introduced supraumbilically, and robotic ports were introduced inferolaterally. Irrigation of the catheter and distension of the utricle allowed manipulation of the utricle to facilitate identification of a plane of dissection. The neck of the utricle was identified and incised. The catheter was removed, transection was completed, and the stump was oversewn. CONCLUSION: Combined cystoscopic and robotic approach to prostatic utricle excision is feasible, safe, and effective in this patient population.

Review and update of benign prostatic hyperplasia in general practice.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common benign tumour in men. Although men with BPH often need medical or surgical management from a urologist at some point throughout the timeline of their disease, most men are initially assessed and managed by a general practitioner (GP) in the primary healthcare setting. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to highlight the principles of the pathogenesis, presentation, assessment and management of BPH in a primary care setting. DISCUSSION: Between 2009 and 2011, BPH was managed by GPs at approximately 228,000 general practice visits per annum in Australia. Several changes in pharmaceutical agents and surgical intervention have occurred over the past decade. As a result, it is imperative that GPs remain up to date with assessment and management of BPH, are aware of new therapies and understand when to refer to a urologist.