New Insights into the pain symptoms of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS): the role of musculoskeletal ultrasound

Abstract

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) represents a prevalent and highly debilitating urological disorder that significantly impairs the quality of life of male patients. Conventional monomodal pharmacological interventions have demonstrated limited efficacy, primarily due to the intricate and not fully elucidated etiology of the disease. This article focuses on the pivotal discoveries derived from musculoskeletal ultrasound - guided examinations in CP/CPPS patients. Our findings indicate that inflammatory edema within the suprapubic muscles is the principal etiological factor for lower abdominal pain, while inflammatory edema and calcification in the perineal pelvic floor muscles are responsible for perineal pain. These revelations have precipitated a paradigm shift towards a multimodal treatment approach, with the overarching goal of enhancing clinical outcomes and improving the quality of life of patients.

Keywords: Prostatitis, CP/CPPS, musculoskeletal ultrasound