Correlation between hypoechoic nodules on ultrasonography and benign hyperplasia in the prostatic outer gland.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this investigation was to study the correlation between hypoechoic nodules detected on ultrasonography and benign hyperplasia in the prostatic outer gland (POG) diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided biopsies.


METHODS
The TRUS-guided biopsies were performed on 472 patients suspected of having prostate cancer. Specimens obtained by biopsies were independently assessed by pathologists at 3 hospitals.


RESULTS
The histologic results of 310 patients (65.68%) were benign. Focal hypoechoic nodules located in the POG were found in 240 patients (50.8%) on TRUS scans. Among them, in 22 patients (9.17% of the 240 patients with hypoechoic nodules), benign hyperplasia was found in focal hypoechoic nodules located in the POG. Focal nodules were seen as well circumscribed with an ovoid shape and smooth surface in 18 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Benign hyperplasia may sometimes originate in the POG and may appear as a hypoechoic nodule, similar to the appearance of prostate cancer.
Tang
Jie
J
Department of Ultrasound, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Rd, Beijing 100853, China. txiner@vip.sina.com
Li
Xin
X
Wang
Na
N
Zhang
Shunxin
S
Lin
Qian
Q
Li
Junlai
J
Shi
Huaiyin
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D012007:Rectum; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional