The potential value of prostatic imaging in the diagnosis of inflammatory disorders of the prostate is largely unexplored. In several studies, specific ultrasonographic characteristics in patients with prostatitis have been described. Also nonspecific echogenic qualities in prostatitis have been pointed out. To evaluate ultrasound of the prostate in patients with nonbacterial prostatitis in this study, ultrasound images of these patients were compared with those of a healthy control group. In contrast with earlier findings, constant dilatation of the periprostatic venous plexus was seen more pronounced in the control group as well as elongation of the seminal vesicles. Finally, prostatic calcifications were frequently encountered in both groups.