R. Oyen

Overexpression of fatty acid synthase is an early and common event in the development of prostate cancer

The expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS), a key lipogenic enzyme and potential target for antineoplastic therapy, was analyzed in 87 frozen needle biopsies of prostate cancer using a highly sensitive immunohistochemical detection technique (Envision). In comparison to normal or benign, hyperplastic glandular structures, which were all negative for FAS staining, immunohistochemical signal was evident in 24/25 low grade prostatic epithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions, in 26/26 high grade PIN lesions and in 82/87 invasive carcinomas. Staining intensity tended to increase from low grade to high grade PIN to invasive carcinoma. Cancers with a high FAS expression had an overall high proliferative index. No correlation was found between FAS expression and lipid accumulation. These findings indicate that increased FAS expression is one of the earliest and most common events in the development of prostate cancer, suggesting that FAS may be used as a general prostate cancer marker and that antineoplastic therapy based on FAS inhibition may be an option for chemoprevention or curative treatment for nearly all prostate cancers.

Magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of urologic disease: an all-in-one approach.

Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate an “all-in-one” MR procedure to examine the kidneys, the renal vascular supply and renal perfusion, and the urinary tract. In 64 patients (58 with urologic disease and 6 healthy volunteers), MR was performed including: (a) T1- and T2-weighted imaging; (b) 3D contrast-enhanced MR angiography (MRA), including the renal arteries, renal veins, as well as renal perfusion; and (c) 3D contrast-enhanced MR urography (MRU) in the coronal and sagittal plane. For the latter, low- and high-resolution images were compared. Prior to gadolinium injection, 0.1 mg/kg body weight of furosemide was administered intravenously. The results were compared with correlative imaging modalities (ultrasonography, intravenous urography, CT), ureterorenoscopy and/or surgical–pathologic findings. Visualization of the renal parenchyma, the vascular supply, and the collecting system was adequate in all cases, both in nondilated and in dilated systems and irrespective of the renal function. One infiltrating urothelial cancer was missed; there was one false-positive urothelial malignancy. Different MR techniques can be combined to establish an all-in-one imaging modality in the assessment of diseases which affect the kidneys and urinary tracts. Continuous refinement of the applied MR techniques and further improvements in spatial resolution is needed to expand the actual imaging possibilities and to create new tracts and challenges in the MR evaluation of urologic disease.

Is low-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia a risk factor for cancer?

Introduction: High-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) is generally accepted to be a precursor lesion of prostate cancer. The likely outcome of isolated low-grade PIN (LGPIN) lesions in prostate biopsies remains unclear. A follow-up study of 106 patients with LGPIN- and HGPIN lesions was performed.Materials and methods: In a 2-y period, 207 men were diagnosed with isolated PIN on standard systematic sextant biopsy of the prostate. In total, 104 patients had LGPIN and 103 had HGPIN. No patients had ever received androgen deprivation therapy, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In all, 106 patients who underwent repeat second or third sextant biopsies were analysed in the study; 30% of these patients received a selenium–vitamin E supplement for at least 6 months.Results: In total, 43 had LGPIN and 63 HGPIN on the first biopsy. The mean age was 63.5u2009y (range 46–77) in the LGPIN group and 64.9u2009y in the HGPIN group. The mean total PSA was 6.96u2009ng/ml (range 0.59–34.13) in the LGPIN group and 8.44u2009ng/ml (range 0.59–35.3) in the HGPIN group. In the LGPIN group, 30% of the patients had cancer in at least one of the repeat biopsy cores. In the HGPIN group, 27% had cancer in at least one of the repeat biopsy cores. The mean total PSA of patients who had cancer in repeat biopsies with LGPIN was 7.84u2009ng/ml (range 2.92–34.13). The mean total PSA of the patients who had cancer in repeat biopsy in the HGPIN was 6.73u2009ng/ml (range 0.56–25). There was no significant difference in PSA and pathological stage between those patients who did and those who did not receive selenium–vitamin E supplements.Conclusions: These data are intriguing since the risk of finding prostate carcinoma on repeat sextant biopsy in the LGPIN group is 30%. This is higher than commonly reported. The importance of recognising and re-biopsying HGPIN was confirmed. If chemoprevention could be shown to be effective, it might be beneficial not only in HGPIN but also in LGPIN. The possible activity of chemopreventive agents and their combination with iso-flavonoids needs further investigation.

Endovaginal sonography : new diagnostic approach for urethral diverticula

Too often a urethral diverticulum is a long-standing and unrecognized problem. Suprapubic sonography has been proposed for assessment of this pathological condition. We report on endovaginal sonography as a new improved imaging modality for the diagnosis of urethral diverticula. In positive cases additional morphological information can be obtained from positive pressure urethrography or from diverticulography via fine needle puncture under digital guidance or under sonographic control. Direct puncture of the lesion allows the injection of contrast material to facilitate the diverticulectomy.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: MRI findings in the diffuse and the focal type

Abstract. Two cases of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) are presented with emphasis on MR appearances. One case is the diffuse type of XGP secondary to chronic obstruction caused by transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis. The other case is the focal or “tumefactive” type of XGP which mimics renal cell carcinoma.

Benign angiomyolipoma involving the renal vein and vena cava as a tumor thrombus: Case report

A 53-year-old woman presented with a renal angiomyolipoma extending as a thrombus into the renal vein and vena cava. This case is most unusual and we are unaware of any report of a benign angiomyolipoma that has presented as a tumor thrombus. The intravascular growth of a benign angiomyolipoma has previously been described.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis: no longer a surgical disease?

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a rare, life-threatening infection of the kidney characterized by the presence of gas within the renal parenchyma, the renal collecting system and the perinephric tissue. It usually develops in diabetic patients and often presents abruptly with bacteraemia, septic shock and acute renal failure. Diagnosis can be delayed because the symptoms mimic a classical upper urinary tract infection. Aggressive management, including parenteral antibiotic therapy, treatment of septic shock and control of the glycaemia, is mandatory. Immediate nephrectomy has been considered to be essential to increase the chance of survival. Recently, percutaneous drainage has been reported as a kidney-saving and life-saving alternative to surgery. We present a case of severe emphysematous pyelonephritis in which there was full recovery after antibiotic treatment combined with temporary percutaneous drainage. The therapeutic options in this rare, life-threatening condition are discussed.

Fibroepithelial polyps of the ureter. Etiology, diagnosis, treatment and pathology.

In order to draw attention to this rather rare condition affecting all age groups, 4 cases of fibroepithelial polyps of the ureter are reported. Conservative surgery is mandatory after adequate preoperative work-up. The pathological findings, incidence and diagnostic and therapeutic modalities are discussed and some etiological factors proposed.

Granulomatous renal pseudotumor in Wegener's granulomatosis: imaging findings in one case.

Abstract. Wegeners granulomatosis is a clinico-pathological entity characterized by necrotizing granulomatous angiitis involving the upper- and/or lower respiratory tract and the kidneys. Renal involvement is usually characterized by a rapidly progressive necrotizing glomerulonephritis. A case is presented of a patient who developed renal failure and presented a solitary pseudotumoral lesion in the upper pole of the left kidney. Imaging characteristics on US, CT and MR imaging are discussed. The diagnosis was confirmed with ultrasound-guided needle biopsy.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the prostate in a young male

Abstract A case of non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) involving the prostate and the urinary bladder in a 24-year-old male is reported. Although none of the currently available imaging modalities is specific for the diagnosis of NHL of the prostate, this diagnosis must be considered because of its amenability to treatment. The heterogeneity of the mass at CT and MRI might be suggestive of high-grade NHL. The patient was treated with intensive combination chemotherapy.