The role of colour velocity imaging (CVI) in prostate ultrasound

Abstract

Objectives: Until now, experience with colour Doppler imaging (CDI) or colour velocity imaging (CVI) for diagnosing prostatic diseases in addition to transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is limited. The resistance index (RI) of the supplying arteries to the prostate was estimated and the change of the resistance index due to prostatic diseases was assessed. Methods: We investigated the location of the supplying arteries to the prostate and determined the resistance index in 123 males, either complaining of prostatism or looking for exclusion of prostate cancer. Ages varied from 37 to 86 years (mean 61). For ultrasound scanning and the determination of the resistance index a Philips P 700 was used with a multi-frequency probe and the colour velocity imaging technique. Results: In a number of patients a correlation between the presence and location of flow and certain prostatic diseases could be shown, though without statistical significance. In normal and diseased prostates the resistance index of the supplying arteries and its branches was calculated and compared. Using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs test and the Mann-Whitney U-test we could find a significant statistical difference between the main supplying arteries (neurovascular bundle) and its branches ( P < 0.0001). The lowest values of the resistance index were found in patients with prostate carcinoma or bacterial prostatitis. Conclusion: Colour velocity imaging and the resistance index of the supplying arteries of the prostate appear to have additional diagnostic value compared to TRUS alone, especially in patients suffering from bacterial prostatitis or prostate cancer.