Anatomic features of the prostatic arteries in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

  Objective To investigate the anatomical features of prostatic artery (PA) angiography in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).  Methods Retrospective analysis of 55 patients with BPH who underwent transcatheter superselective PA DSA and superselective prostatic artery embolization, which could demonstrate bilateral prostatic arteries. Patients underwent internal iliac artery and superselective PA angiography to observe the number, origin, diameter, microvascular morphology and anastomosing branches of the PA with adjacent arteries.  Results A total of 114 PAs were demonstrated in 55 internal iliac arteries (110), of which 106 (96.4%, 106/110) had 1 PA and 4 (3.6%, 4/110) had 2 separate PAs. 36 cases had asymmetric PA origins on both sides (65.5%, 36/55) and 19 cases had symmetry on both sides (34.5%, 19/55). Forty-five (39.5%, 45/114) PAs originated from the gluteal-pubic trunk, 37 (32.6%, 37/114) from the superior cystic artery, and 32 (27.9%, 32/114) from the internal pubic artery. 82 (72.1%, 82/114) had a high opening. The PA diameter ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 mm, with a mean of (0.9±0.4) mm. 17 of the 20 patients with prostate volume ≥100 cm3 showed significant PA thickening (diameter >1.2 mm) and a mean of (0.9±0.4) mm. In 17 of the 20 patients with prostate volume ≥100 cm3, significant thickening of the PA (diameter >1.2 mm) and small spiral-like arteries were seen.  Conclusion The diameter, origin and morphology of PA in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia are highly variable, and PA has abundant anastomosis with adjacent arteries.