Objective: This study aimed to examine the radiographic manifestations of seminal vesicle tuberculosis (SVT) on magnetic resonance imaging to gain a deeper understanding of this disease.
Methods: The clinical symptoms, general conditions, relevant laboratory tests and radiological data of 13 patients diagnosed with SVT were collected through bacteriological examination. A descriptive analysis was used to explore the composition ratio and rate values of the collected data.
Results: All 13 cases (100.0%) showed isointense signals on T₁WI and hypointense signals on T₂WI in the affected seminal vesicles, with the disappearance of the multi-chambered high signal on T₂WI in normal seminal vesicles. Eight cases (61.5%) showed diffusion restriction on DWI of the affected seminal vesicle and significant enhancement on the contrast scan, whereas five cases (38.5%) showed unrestricted diffusion and mild enhancement on the contrast scan. Patients with significant enhancements exhibited higher counts and neutrophil percentages than patients with mild enhancements, with statistically significant differences (Z = 2.196, P = 0.030; Z = 2.781, P = 0.003, respectively). The counts and percentage of lymphocytes, CD3⁺T cells and CD4⁺T cells were significantly lower in patients with significant enhancements than in those with mild enhancements, with statistically significant differences (Z = − 2.196, P = 0.030; Z = − 2.928, P = 0.002; Z = − 2.928, P = 0.002; Z = − 2.928, P = 0.002, respectively). Patients with significant enhancements were more likely to have active pulmonary tuberculosis than those with mild enhancements, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.035).
Conclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging reveals distinct radiographic features of SVT, and variations in imaging presentations can indicate a patient’s immune status.
Keywords: seminal vesicle tuberculosis, magnetic resonance imaging, genitourinary tuberculosis