The appearances on ultrasound of the female urethral sphincter

Abstract

A rounded or ovoid midline structure with mean measurements of 1.30 cm x 1.33 cm x 0.96 cm in longitudinal, transverse and antero-posterior dimensions was routinely imaged at the bladder base in 97 female patients on pelvic ultrasound examination. Its position and appearance are reminiscent of a smaller version of the male prostate, and it has been dubbed the "female pseudoprostate". It appears to correspond with the external rhabdo-sphincter of the bladder. Its rounded shape may be confusing but it should not be misread as pathological.