title: Transrectal real-time elastography of the prostate: Normal patterns.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Given the growing importance in clinical practice of transrectal real-time sonoelastography of the prostate, it is important to define normal patterns correlated to volume growth and reconsider the technical problems.
  
  
  METHODS
  We selected a sample of 100 men aged 30 to 87 with prostate volumes ranging from 20 to 100 cc. Strain images were obtained using an end-fire convex probe. The elasticity patterns of the various anatomical zones of the prostate were compared with the volume.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The peripheral zone showed intermediate elasticity in 100% of cases regardless of the volume. We found some rare small areas of more limited elasticity in 23% of cases, among patients over 40. The posterior side of the central zone exhibited intermediate elasticity, and relative inelasticity was observed on the lateral side and at the base in 79% of cases. The entire central zone appeared compliant in 15% of cases and inelastic in 6%. The transition zone findings were stratified according to gland volume. When the volume was less than 45 cc, the transition zone was elastic in 67% of cases, inhomogeneously inelastic in 22%, and uniformly inelastic in 11%. In glands larger than 45 cc, the appearance was mainly elastic in 31% of cases, inhomogeneously inelastic in 57%, and uniformly inelastic in 12%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Real-time elastography can distinguish the elastic properties of the prostate and define the normal patterns associated with increases in gland volume.
authors: SME-Diagnostic Imaging Medical Center, Varese, Italy.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Goddi
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Sacchi
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Magistretti
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Almolla
keywords: Elastography; Prostate; Sonoelastography; Ultrasound
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