Prostate Brachytherapy seed migration to the Bladder presenting with Gross Hematuria

J Radiol Case Rep. 2016 Jan 31;10(1):22-6. doi: 10.3941/jrcr.v10i1.2657. eCollection 2016 Jan.

Abstract

We present the radiologic findings in a case of prostate brachytherapy seed migration to the bladder presenting as gross hematuria. While prostate brachytherapy seed implantation is considered a relatively safe procedure, migration is not uncommon; however, it is usually clinically silent and the seeds most commonly migrate to the lungs through the venous circulation via the periprostatic venous plexus. Our case illustrates that local erosion is possible, can be symptomatic, and therefore must be considered when evaluating select patients.

Keywords: 3-D Computed tomography; Prostate cancer; brachytherapy; hematuria; seed migration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brachytherapy / adverse effects*
  • Foreign-Body Migration / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign-Body Migration / etiology*
  • Hematuria / diagnostic imaging
  • Hematuria / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Urinary Bladder*