Correlations among prostatic biopsy results, transrectal ultrasound findings and PSA levels in diagnosing prostate adenocarcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) findings and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in relation to prostatic biopsy results and to analyze their individual and combined performances in diagnosing prostate adenocarcinoma (PAC).


METHODS
Men (n=143) with PSA levels above 4 ng/ml underwent TRUS and randomized ultrasound-guided prostatic biopsy through the peripheral zone, including additional hypoechoic nodules biopsies, if they were noted on TRUS. Data related to TRUS, biopsy, and PSA level results were then correlated.


RESULTS
A significant correlation between TRUS images suspicious for PAC and a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of PAC, or between the lack of such images and a negative biopsy result, was not found. However, a significant correlation was found between positive biopsy results and PSA levels greater or equal to 10 ng/ml. The sensitivity of transrectal ultrasound in making a diagnosis of PAC was 63%, whereas its specificity was 73%.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that while the separate performances of these examinations were not effective in diagnosing PAC, the integrated use of these methods was more adequate for making the diagnosis.
Kökeny
G P
GP
Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Cerri
G G
GG
de Oliveira Cerri
L M
LM
de Barros
N
N
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001706:Biopsy; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014463:Ultrasonography
D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen