ROLE OF ULTRASOUND IN PROSTATE GLAND VOLUME ESTIMATION AND CORRELATION WITH POST VOID RESIDUAL, PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN LEVEL & INTERNATIONAL PROSTATE SYMPTOMS SCORE IN MEN WITH LOW URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS

Abstract

Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are frequently observed in aging men and are commonly associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Accurate estimation of prostate volume is essential in diagnosing and managing BPH and related conditions. Ultrasonography offers a non-invasive, accessible, and cost-effective method for evaluating prostate size and related urinary parameters such as post-void residual (PVR) urine, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and symptom severity as per the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS).

Objective: To evaluate the utility of transabdominal ultrasonography in estimating prostate volume in male patients with LUTS and its correlation with PVR urine, PSA levels, and IPSS.

Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the District Head Quarter Hospital, Chiniot, Pakistan, from February to June 2024. A total of 158 male patients aged above 40 years presenting with LUTS were included using non-probability sampling. Exclusion criteria included prior pelvic or prostatic surgery, urethral pathologies, and urinary tract stones. Transabdominal ultrasonography was performed using 2–5 MHz and 7.5–10 MHz probes to measure prostate volume and post-void residual urine. IPSS scores and serum PSA levels were also recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0.

Results: The mean age of participants was 55.48 ± 12.58 years. Average prostate volume was 65.39 ± 23.57 cc, mean PSA level was 6.2 ± 5.34 ng/mL, and mean PVR urine volume was 73.35 ± 37.81 mL. IPSS scores indicated 25.9% had mild symptoms, 41.8% moderate, and 32.3% severe. A weak correlation was found between age and prostate volume (r = 0.104, p = 0.191), while strong positive correlations were observed between prostate volume and IPSS (r = 0.779, p < 0.001), PSA (r = 0.699, p < 0.001), and a moderate correlation with PVR (r = 0.575, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Ultrasonography proved to be a valuable tool in assessing prostate volume and its significant correlations with PSA levels, IPSS, and PVR urine. These associations support its clinical use in evaluating and managing LUTS in aging males.