[Non-specific granulomatous prostatitis diagnosed with ultrasonography-guided transrectal biopsy].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the incidence of non-specific granulomatous prostatitis (GP) in our series of prostate biopsies and to verify whether there were differences in the features of DRE, PSA and ultrasound findings in patients with GP and patients with prostate cancer that could be used as clinical indications in GP diagnosis.


METHODS
Between 1994 and 1996, 835 patients with prostatic syndromes underwent echoguided transrectal biopsy. Neoplasia was diagnosed in 323 (39%) patients, non-specific GP in 11 (1.5%), whereas no malignancy signs were found in the remaining 501 (59.7%). A retrospective comparison of DRE features, PSA levels and the existence of echographic nodes was conducted between cancer patients and GP patients.


RESULTS
55% GP patients had suspicious DRE; in 64% at least one node with different echogeneicity was identified in the transrectal ultrasound, and the mean PSA value was 17.3 ng/ml. When they were compared to the group of patients with prostate cancer, no significant differences were found.


CONCLUSIONS
In our experience we have not found any specific feature in DRE. PSA levels or ultrasound examination that allows to differentiate GP from prostate cancer. Transrectal biopsy of the gland is essential for the differential diagnosis of both entities.
Herranz Amo
F
F
Servicio de Urología, H.G.U., Gregorio Marañón, Madrid.
Verdú Tartajo
F
F
Díez Cordero
J M
JM
Bueno Chomón
G
G
Leal Hernández
F
F
Bielsa Carrillo
A
A
García Burgos
J
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods; D006099:Granuloma / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011472:Prostatitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography