Prostatic calculi

Prostatic calculi, 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.

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.
Extrinsic stones: These stones are usually larger and formed due to the reflux of urine into the prostate.

The exact mechanism of the development of prostatic calculi is still unclear.

In a study of young adults in Greece, the prevalence was found to be 7.35%. While among urologic patients in South Korea, the prevalence was 40.7%.
The prevalence is notably higher in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, ranging from 68.8% to 70%. Additionally, a study conducted in Cleveland reported that 46.8% of patients with Chronic prostatitis/chronic [pelvic pain syndrome|chronic pelvic pain] had stones larger than 3 mm.

is the most common component of prostatic calculi, accounting for more than 80% of cases.

Most cases of prostatic calculi are asymptomatic. Its clinical significance is debated. While some studies report no significant association between PC and lower [urinary tract symptoms], others suggest it can aggravate LUTS, chronic prostatitis, and sexual dysfunction.