J. O. Salo

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF CLINICALLY LOCALIZED PROSTATIC CANCER

PURPOSE We assess the accuracy of endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting tumor localization, capsular penetration and seminal vesicle invasion in clinically organ confined prostate cancer. We also evaluate intra-observer and interobserver agreement in interpreting MRI studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS MRI studies of 51 consecutive patients a mean of 61 years old with biopsy proved prostate cancer were retrospectively read twice by 2 radiologists in random order. Both radiologists marked tumor localization, capsular penetration and seminal vesicle invasion on standard tumor maps. These findings were compared with the histopathological results of radical prostatectomy specimens. RESULTS The overall accuracy of detecting cancer localization was 61%. The detection rate for cancer foci less than 5 mm. was only 5% but for lesions greater than 10 mm. it was 89%. There was 91 and 80% accuracy for detecting capsular penetration and seminal vesicle invasion, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were 60 and 63, 13 and 97, and 59 and 84% for localization, capsular penetration and seminal vesicle invasion, respectively. Intra-observer and interobserver agreement ranged from fair to good (kappa coefficient 0.240 to 0.647). CONCLUSIONS Endorectal MRI seems to be better than previously reported for detecting seminal vesicle invasion and tumor foci in the anterior half of the prostate. Sensitivity in detecting minor capsular penetration of the tumor was low, which can probably be improved by methodological development. MRI may be useful for locating cancer foci in patients with high prostate specific antigen values but repeatedly negative biopsy findings.

Computerized Tomography and Transrectal Ultrasound in the Assessment of Local Extension of Prostatic Cancer Before Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

The value of computerized tomography and transrectal ultrasound in the demonstration of local extension of prostatic cancer was evaluated in 38 patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy. Transrectal ultrasound proved to be reliable for the demonstration of local extension of cancer beyond the prostatic capsule (sensitivity 86 per cent, specificity 94 per cent and accuracy 90 per cent). Invasion of the seminal vesicles was demonstrated by ultrasound, with a sensitivity of 29 per cent, specificity 100 per cent and accuracy 77 per cent. The addition of transrectal ultrasound scanning to clinical evaluation increased sensitivity in relation to detection of extraprostatic involvement from 15 to 92 per cent. When computerized tomography scanning was added to clinical examination, the sensitivity increased from 15 to only 46 per cent. Transrectal ultrasound is valuable for the preoperative evaluation of patients in whom radical prostatectomy is being considered as treatment for clinically localized prostatic cancer.

Endorectal magnetic resonance imaging of prostatic cancer: comparison between fat-suppressed T2-weighted fast spin echo and three-dimensional dual-echo, steady-state sequences

Abstract The aim of this study was to develop an endorectal MRI strategy for prostatic cancer. We evaluated the MR images from 44 consecutive prostatic cancer patients treated by radical prostatectomy. Each sequence from every examination was assessed separately with a specific tumor map drawn. Tumor localization, capsular penetration, and seminal vesicle invasion were marked on maps on the basis of T2 and DESS (dual-echo steady-state) sequences. Thirty patients also had T1-weighted images, and these were assessed with regard to possible tumor outgrowth. The maps were compared with histopathological findings from radical prostatectomy specimens. According to our study, DESS equaled T2 in every respect. No statistically significant differences between the sequences were found with respect to detecting either tumor localization, outgrowth, or seminal vesicle invasion. DESS is a potential new sequence in prostatic MRI as it has been proven to parallel the routinely used T2-weighted imaging.

Magnetic resonance imaging of prostatic cancer: does detection vary between high and low gleason score tumors?

Both Gleason score and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) concentration are prognostic factors for prostate cancer. We assessed our ability to localize cancer lesions based on Gleason scores and PSA values by endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We also evaluated whether the size of the prostate affects tumor detectability.

CT in determining the depth of infiltration of bladder tumors

The findings from 141 CT investigations of bladder tumors are compared with histopathological staging (103 cases) and clinical staging (36 cases). Twenty-five tumors could not be seen on CT and 2 tumors could not be staged because of artifacts caused by hip prosthesis. When the tumor was visible at CT and there was histological confirmation of the depth of the infiltration, we were able to differentiate extravesical tumor stages T3b and T4 from each other and from all the other stages in 49 of 59 cases (83%). However, CT failed to differentiate superficial from intramural tumor stages. The greatest value of CT in staging bladder tumors is in cases of deeply infiltrating tumors; examination should be made before biopsy or any therapeutic procedures are begun.

MRI and CT in blunt renal trauma : An update

In our experience, MRI is as effective as CT in correctly staging renal injury. The coronal and sagittal slice orientations of MRI are particularly helpful in determining the extent of the renal parenchymal damage. Both methods are accurate in finding perirenal hematomas, assessing the viability of renal fragments, and detecting preexisting renal abnormalities but are relatively inaccurate in visualizing urinary extravasation. Although CT remains the method of choice in radiological staging of renal injury, MRI can complement CT in patients with severe renal injury, preexisting renal abnormality, equivocal CT findings, or when repeated radiological follow-up is required. MRI could replace CT in patients with iodine allergy and be used for initial staging if CT is not available.

The Value of CT in Detecting Pelvic Lymph Node Metastases in Cases of Bladder and Prostate Carcinoma

Fifty-one patients, 15 with bladder cancer and 36 with prostatic cancer, were examined by preoperative pelvic CT scanning in order to determine its sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in detecting pelvic lymph node metastases. The poor sensitivity of CT (40%) in detecting lymph node metastases reduces its value for staging lymph nodes. The reason for the low sensitivity is that metastases in nodes which are of normal size cannot be detected by CT. Pelvic lymphadenectomy remains the only accurate method for evaluating the state of pelvic lymph nodes.

Monoclonal Antibodies, Immunofluorometric Assay, and Detection of Human Semenogelin in Male Reproductive Tract: No Association with In Vitro Fertilizing Capacity of Sperm

Abstract Semenogelin plays an important role in sperm clotting and is degraded into smaller fragments by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) during clot liquefaction. Semenogelin and its fragments inhibit sperm motility in vitro. We studied the expression of semenogelin I mRNA and its localization in various tissues of the male genital tract. We also studied semenogelin concentrations with respect to sperm parameters and the outcome of in vitro fertilization. Semenogelin protein was detected by immunohistochemical staining and semenogelin I mRNA was detected by Northern blot analysis in the seminal vesicles and ampullary part of the vas deferens, whereas specimens from the prostate, epididymis, testis, and the female genital tract were negative. Using monoclonal antibodies against semenogelin, an immunofluorometric assay was developed to measure semenogelin levels in seminal plasma and to evaluate possible correlations with sperm parameters and fertilization in vitro. No correlation was found between the semenogelin concentration and the volume of the ejaculate, sperm concentration, sperm motility, or in vitro fertilization rate. Semenogelin levels were positively correlated with the total protein concentration in seminal plasma, and there was an inverse correlation between the concentration of semenogelin and that of PSA. The levels of semenogelin appear to bear no relationship to the in vitro fertilization capacity of the spermatozoa.

Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging with computed tomography and intravesical ultrasound in staging bladder cancer.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and intravesical ultrasound (US) scanning were performed on 11 patients in whom infiltrative bladder cancer was suspected at cystoscopy. Equipment with magnetic field 0.02 T was used for the MRI. Tumors larger than 2 cm could be identified in all cases by MRI. In 3 of 4 cases in which the tumor was smaller than 2 cm, it could not be properly visualized and the degree of infiltration could not be assessed. When the tumor was visualized on MRI, tumor staging by MRI was correct in 7 of 8 cases (88%). Infiltration of the deep muscle layer of the bladder wall could be detected by MRI but not by CT. Intravesical US staging was correct in 7 of9 cases (78%). As a noninvasive method, MRI is promising for the preoperative evaluation of bladder cancer and offers the advantage of imaging the bladder in different planes.

Radical Prostatectomy as Treatment of Localized Prostatic Cancer: Early Results, with Special Focus on Transrectal Ultrasound for Local Staging

Radical prostatectomy was performed for localized prostatic cancer on 68 patients (mean age 65 years). Rectal palpation alone was used to determine local operability in the first 38 cases, and its accuracy proved to be 63%. Transrectal ultrasound in conjunction with clinical examination was used instead in the last 30 patients, with 80% accuracy. There was one perioperative death and the total complication rate was 37%. Postoperatively three patients were totally incontinent and five had mild stress incontinence. Of the 29 patients operated on with the nerve-sparing Walsh technique, 11 had penile erections 6 months postoperatively. The mean follow-up time was 34 (4-69) months. Local recurrence or distant metastases were found in 11 cases (16%). In ten of them the primary tumour was locally advanced (pT3 or pT4), and in one it was intracapsular (pT2) but poorly differentiated. Radical prostatectomy is concluded to be safe and its complication rate acceptable. Careful preoperative evaluation of the extent of disease is essential for cure, and transrectal ultrasound increases staging accuracy.