Transrectal Real-time Elastography Research Articles

Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer and High-Grade Prostate Cancer Using Multiparametric Ultrasonography and Serological Examination

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the efficacy of multiparametric ultrasonography (mpUS) combined with serological examination, as a non-invasive method, in detecting prostate cancer (PCa) or high-grade prostate cancer (HGPCa) respectively. MethodsA cohort of 245 individuals with clinically suspected PCa were enrolled. All subjects underwent a comprehensive evaluation, including basic data collection, serological testing, mpUS and prostate biopsy. Random Forest (RF) models were developed, and the mean area under the curve (AUC) in 100 cross-validations was used to assess the performance in distinguishing PCa from HGPCa. ResultsmpUS features showed significant differences (p < 0.001) between the PCa and non-PCa groups, as well as between the HGPCa and low-grade prostate cancer (LGPCa) groups including prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD), transrectal real-time elastography (TRTE) and intensity difference (ID). The RF model, based on these features, demonstrated an excellent discriminative ability for PCa with a mean area under the curve (AUC) of 0.896. Additionally, another model incorporating free prostate-specific antigen (FPSA) and color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) achieved a high accuracy in predicting HGPCa with a mean AUC of 0.830. The nomogram derived from these models exhibited excellent individualized prediction of PCa and HGPCa. ConclusionThe RF models incorporating mpUS and serological variables achieved satisfactory accuracies in predicting PCa and HGPCa.

Accuracy of transrectal strain elastography in detection of prostate cancer

Background: Elastography has emerged as a boon in aiding diagnosis of various neoplastic conditions. Strain elastography helps in differentiating hard lesions from the normal tissue on a real-time basis and targeting biopsies of the same described by other authors in various conditions. We assess a series of cases for the detection of prostate cancer using strain elastography of prostate. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of transrectal strain elastography in diagnosis of prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional, prospective study. Transrectal strain elastography was performed using a C-10 3 v endocavity probe with elastography software and was compared against biopsy results on 25 adult male patients with raised prostate-specific antigen levels. Statistical significance of qualitative data across two study groups was tested using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. The entire data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0, Inc., Chicago, software for Microsoft Windows. Results: Ten (40%) out of 25 patients demonstrated carcinoma prostate, 14 patients had benign prostatic hyperplasia, and 1 had prostatic abscess. Transrectal real-time elastography scores in patients with carcinoma patient were higher than those of benign conditions, i.e., 3 and 4 scores with accuracy of 92%, sensitivity of 85.7%, and specificity of 94.4%. Conclusions: The overall accuracy of strain elastography was 92%, which enhanced the diagnostic yield in prostate carcinoma. Real-time strain elastography is a highly sensitive and specific technique for diagnosing prostatic carcinoma and guiding the prostate biopsy.

The clinical value of transrectal ultrasound elastography and the contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in early diagnosis of prostate cancer

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of transrectal real-time elastography(TRTE) and contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound(CETRUS) in early diagnosis of prostate cancer. Methods From August 2016 to August 2017, 119 patients with suspected prostate cancer were divided into low risk group (n=21) , moderate risk group (n=24) and high risk group (n=28) according to Gleason sores. The rest 46 patients were found with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH group) enrolled in this study. The transrectal ultrasound(TRUS), TRTE and CETRUS were performed for all patients. The accuracy rate of prostate cancer detection using TRUS, TRTE and CETRUS were compared with the pathologic results. Results There was no statistical differences of accuracy rate between low risk group and BPH group with TRTE and CETRUS. There were statistical differences of accuracy rate between low risk group and BPH group with the combination TRTE and CETRUS. Totally 119 patients underwent TRUS, TRUS with TRTE、TRUS with CETRUS and TRTE with CETRUS. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of TRUS, TRTE, CETRUS, TRTE and CETRUS in diagnosis of prostate cancer was 46.77%, 58.18% , 49.23%, 55.77%, 66.13%, 70.91%, 65.00%, 71.93%, 80.64% , 81.82% , 78.95%, 83.33%, 90.32%, 85.45%, 88.68%, 87.50%, respectively. Conclusions CETRUS combined With TRTE can detect early prostate cancer and contribute to differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lesions. Key words: Prostatic Neoplasms; Ultrasonography; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Angiography; Rectum

Real-Time Elastography in the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer: Personal Experience:

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In the future, a significant further increase in the incidence of prostate cancer is expected. The indication to perform a prostate biopsy is digital rectal examination suspicious for prostate cancer, total prostate specific antigen (PSA) value, free PSA/total PSA ratio, PSA density and PSA velocity, and an evidence of hypoechoic area at transrectal ultrasound scan. Unfortunately the specificity and sensibility are still poor. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the specificity and sensibility of real time elastography versus ultrasound transrectal B-mode scan. We retrospectively evaluated 108 pts. having undergone TRUS-guided transrectal prostate biopsy (10 samples). The indication for biopsy is: digital rectal examination, total prostate specific antigen (PSA) value, PSA ratio, PSA density and PSA velocity suspicious for prostate cancer, and/or an evidence of hypoechoic area at transrectal ultrasound scan, and/or hard area at real-time elastography. The mean age of patients is 66.8 years, mean PSA 6.5 ng/mL, and mean ratio 16.5%. We compared the histopathological findings of needle prostate biopsies with the results of transrectal ultrasound and transrectal real-time elastography. 32/108 (29.6%) pts. were positive for prostate cancer (mean Gleason score 7.08), mean PSA 14 ng/mL and mean ratio 9.5%. Transrectal ultrasound scan shows a sensibility of 69% and specificity of 68%. Transrectal ultrasound scan shows a VPP of 51.4%. Transrectal ultrasound scan shows a VPN of 80.9%. Real-time elastography shows a sensibility of 56% and specificity of 85.7%. Real-time elastography shows a VPP of 60.1%. Real-time elastography shows a VPN of 83%. Elastography has a significantly higher specificity for the detection of prostate cancer than the conventionally used examinations including DRE and TRUS. It is a useful real-time diagnostic method because it is not invasive, and simultaneous evaluation is possible while performing TRUS.

Fusion of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Real-Time Elastography to Visualize Prostate Cancer: A Prospective Analysis using Whole Mount Sections after Radical Prostatectomy.

To determine whether the fusion of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with transrectal real-time elastography (RTE) improves the visualization of PCa lesions compared to MRI alone. In a prospective setting, 45 patients with biopsy-proven PCa received prostate MRI prior to radical prostatectomy (RP). T2 and diffusion-weighted imaging (T2WI/DW-MRI) and, if applicable, dynamic contrast-enhanced sequences (T2WI/DW/DCE-MRI) were used to perform MRI/RTE fusion. The probability of PCa on MRI was graded according to the PI-RADS score for 12 different prostate sectors per patient. MRI images were fused with RTE to stratify suspicious from non-suspicious sectors. Imaging results were compared to whole mount sections using nonparametrical receiver operating characteristic curves and the area under these curves (AUC). 41 of 45 patients were eligible for final analyses. Histopathology confirmed PCa in 261 (53%) of 492 prostate sectors. MRI alone provided an AUC of 0.62 (T2WI/DW-MRI) and 0.65 (T2WI/DW/DCE-MRI) to predict PCa and was meaningfully enhanced to 0.75 (T2WI/DW-MRI) and 0.74 (T2WI/DW/DCE-MRI) using MRI/RTE fusion. Sole MRI showed a sensitivity and specificity of 57.9% and 61% with the best results for ventral prostate sectors whereas RTE was superior in dorsal and apical sectors. MRI/RTE fusion improved sensitivity and specificity to 65.9% and 75.3%, respectively. Additional use of DCE sequences showed a sensitivity and specificity of 65% and 55.7% for MRI and 72.1% and 66% for MRI/RTE fusion. MRI/RTE fusion provides improved PCa visualization by combining the strength of both imaging techniques in regard to prostate zonal anatomy and thereby might improve future biopsy-guided PCa detection.

Real-Time Elastography for the Detection of Prostate Cancer

The lack of reliable imaging tools in detecting prostate cancer makes a random biopsy still the standard of care to detect prostate cancer. To reduce the number of cores during a biopsy and therefore the risk of biopsy-related complications, an imaging tool which provides reliable guided biopsies is required. Transrectal real-time elastography has shown to have the ability to visualize prostate cancer foci to some extent. In addition to the conventional B-mode image of transrectal ultrasound, it adds information about the stiffness of the prostate tissue. This review highlights the most important studies on elastography to follow the improvements in techniques and to outline the ability to detect prostate cancer and guide biopsies.

Stellenwert der Real-Time Elastografie zur Steuerung der systematischen Prostatabiopsie bei Männern mit unauffälligem digital-rektalen Tastbefund

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether real-time elastography-guided biopsy in comparison to grey-scale ultrasound improves prostate cancer detection in patients with an unremarkable digital rectal exam.A total of 231 patients suspicious for prostate cancer were prospectively randomised to transrectal real-time elastography- (126) or grey-scale ultrasound (105)-guided biopsy. The peripheral zone was divided into 6 sectors from base, mid-gland to apex. Lesions with reduced elasticity during real-time elastography and hypoechoic areas during grey-scale ultrasound were defined as suspicious for prostate cancer. Prostate biopsy was guided by real-time elastography (RTE) or grey-scale ultrasound (GSU) using a systematic 10-core approach. Suspicious lesions on RTE or GSU in the corresponding randomised group were targeted within each sector. Accuracy of cancer prediction and histopathological cancer detection rates were evaluated and compared between the 2 imaging modalitiesBaseline characteristics of patients undergoing real-time elastography and grey-scale ultrasound, including age, prostate-specific antigen and prostate volume were not significantly different statistically (p>0.05). Overall, prostate cancer was detected in 76 of 231 cases (32.9%). The cancer detection rate was significantly higher (p=0.007) in patients who underwent a biopsy using real-time elastography (40.5%) compared to the grey-scale-guided group of men (23.8%). Sensitivity and specificity to detect prostate cancer in 1 386 prostate sectors was 53.5% and 70.5% for real-time elastography vs. 11.7% and 93.7% for grey-scale ultrasound, respectively.Compared to conventional grey-scale ultrasound, accuracy to detect prostate cancer using a systematic 10-core biopsy approach was significantly improved under the guidance of real-time elastography.

Transrectal real-time elastography of the prostate: Normal patterns

Introduction 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. Materials and 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.

Comparison of real-time elastography with grey-scale ultrasonography for detection of organ-confined prostate cancer and extra capsular extension: a prospective analysis using whole mount sections after radical prostatectomy

•To evaluate whether transrectal real-time elastography (RTE) improves the detection of intraprostatic prostate cancer (PCa) lesions and extracapsular extension (ECE) compared with conventional grey-scale ultrasonography (GSU). •In total, 229 patients with biopsy-proven PCa were prospectively screened for cancer-suspicious areas and ECE using GSU and RTE. •The largest tumour focus detected by RTE was defined as the index lesion. •The prostate gland was stratified into six sectors on GSU and RTE, which were compared with histopathological whole mount sections after radical prostatectomy. •Histopathologically, PCa was confirmed in 894 out of 1374 (61.8%) evaluated sectors and ECE was identified in 47 (21%) patients. •Of these 894 sectors, RTE correctly detected 594 (66.4%) and GSU 215 (24.0%) cancer suspicious lesions. •Sensitivity was 51% and specificity 72% using RTE compared to 18% and 90% for GSU. •RTE identified the largest side specific tumour focus in 68% of patients. •ECE was identified with a sensitivity of 38% and specificity of 96% using RTE compared to 15% and 97% using GSU. •Compared with GSU, RTE provides a statistically significant improvement in detection of PCa lesions and ECE. •RTE enhances GSU, although improvement is still needed to achieve a clinically meaningful sensitivity.

Real-Time Elastography in the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer: Personal Experience

Introduction Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In the future, a significant further increase in the incidence of prostate cancer is expected. The indication to perform a prostate biopsy is digital rectal examination suspicious for prostate cancer, total prostate specific antigen (PSA) value, free PSA/total PSA ratio, PSA density and PSA velocity, and an evidence of hypoechoic area at transrectal ultrasound scan. Unfortunately the specificity and sensibility are still poor. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the specificity and sensibility of real time elastography versus ultrasound transrectal B-mode scan. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 108 pts. having undergone TRUS-guided transrectal prostate biopsy (10 samples). The indication for biopsy is: digital rectal examination, total prostate specific antigen (PSA) value, PSA ratio, PSA density and PSA velocity suspicious for prostate cancer, and/or an evidence of hypoechoic area at transrectal ultrasound scan, and/or hard area at real-time elastography. The mean age of patients is 66.8 years, mean PSA 6.5 ng/mL, and mean ratio 16.5%. We compared the histopathological findings of needle prostate biopsies with the results of transrectal ultrasound and transrectal real-time elastography. Results 32/108 (29.6%) pts. were positive for prostate cancer (mean Gleason score 7.08), mean PSA 14 ng/mL and mean ratio 9.5%. Transrectal ultrasound scan shows a sensibility of 69% and specificity of 68%. Transrectal ultrasound scan shows a VPP of 51.4%. Transrectal ultrasound scan shows a VPN of 80.9%. Real-time elastography shows a sensibility of 56% and specificity of 85.7%. Real-time elastography shows a VPP of 60.1%. Real-time elastography shows a VPN of 83%. Conclusions Elastography has a significantly higher specificity for the detection of prostate cancer than the conventionally used examinations including DRE and TRUS. It is a useful real-time diagnostic method because it is not invasive, and simultaneous evaluation is possible while performing TRUS.

Real-time elastography in the diagnosis of prostate tumor

Aim To assess the diagnostic gain of transrectal real-time elastography (RTE) compared to transrectal B-mode ultrasonography (US) in the detection of tumors in patients suspected of having prostate cancer. Materials and methods Eighty-four patients suspected of having prostate cancer on the basis of clinical and biochemical evaluation underwent transrectal US, RTE and transperineal prostate biopsy. Results Biopsy was considered the gold standard. Analysis related to the total number of patients showed a B-mode US sensitivity of 56%, specificity 80%, positive predictive value (PPV) 70% and negative predictive value (NPV) 67%. Analysis related to the total number of biopsy cores showed sensitivity 33%, specificity 92%, PPV 69% and NPV 73%. In the patient-related analysis, RTE sensitivity was 51%, specificity 75%, PPV 64% and NPV 64%, while the core-related analysis showed sensitivity 36%, specificity 93%, PPV 72% and NPV 74%. Comparison of B-mode US and RTE diagnostic accuracy in the detection of tumors located in the peripheral zone of the prostate gland showed a significant difference. Analysis related to the total number of biopsy cores harvested in the peripheral zone of the prostate gland showed a B-mode US sensitivity of 48%, specificity 81%, PPV 75% and NPV 58%, whereas RTE achieved the following values: sensitivity 66%, specificity 78%, PPV 77%, and NPV 67%. Conclusions RTE is a valid addition to B-mode US, and RTE reached a higher accuracy than B-mode US in the evaluation of the peripheral zone of the prostate gland and in the selection of appropriate biopsy sites.

The Utility of Transrectal Real-Time Elastography in the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of transrectal real-time elastography (TRTE) to differentiate benign from malignant prostatic lesions, with pathologic diagnosis obtained by prostatic needle biopsy. Conventional gray scale transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) were performed in 107 men who had elevated serum prostate-specific antigen level >4 ng/mL or abnormal findings on digital rectal examination. For baseline TRUS and PDUS imaging, the suspicion of carcinoma was scored using previously proposed five-point subjective scale. For TRTE imaging, we used newly adopted five-point subjective scale based on the degree and distribution of strain in relation to hypoechoic area, which simultaneously displayed on B-mode image. All patients underwent transperineal systematic 8-cores biopsies, as well as up to four cores of targeted biopsy from suspicious area by TRUS, PDUS and/or TRTE. The samples were diagnosed pathologically and compared with the findings of TRUS, PDUS and TRTE. Prostate cancer was detected in 40 (37%) of 107 patients. When a cutoff point of 3 (displaying focal asymmetric lesion without strain not related to hypoechoic lesion) was used, TRTE had 68% sensitivity, 81% specificity and 76% accuracy. TRTE was comparable with PDUS (70% sensitivity, 75% specificity and 73% accuracy) and had significantly higher sensitivity than TRUS (68% vs. 50%, p = 0.027). Combination of TRTE with PDUS increased sensitivity to 78%. The detection rate of directed biopsy from suspicious area in either TRTE or PDUS (TRTE+PDUS–directed biopsy) was 29% (31/107) by patient and was comparable with systematic biopsy (31%, 33/107, p = 0.86), whereas the detection rate of TRTE+PDUS–directed biopsy by core (55/111, 50%) was significantly higher than systematic biopsy (132/856, 15%, p < 0.0001). For assessing prostatic lesions, TRTE with B-mode image-based scoring had almost the same diagnostic performance as PDUS. Although TRTE+PDUS–directed biopsy detected comparable number of cancers with systematic biopsy, both techniques should be used supplementarily for minimizing the number of missing cancers. (E-mail: kamoi@koto.kpu-m.ac.jp)