The performance of transrectal ultrasound in the diagnosis of seminal vesicle defects： a comparison with magnetic resonance imaging

Obstructive azoospermia （OA） is one of the most common causes of male infertility. Transrectal ultrasound （TRUS） has been used to diagnose OA for many years. From 2009 to 2013, we evaluated a prospective cohort of 1249 patients with suspected OA using TRUS. It was found that dilation of the ejaculatory duct （ED） （29.9%, 374/1249） was the most common cause of OA, followed by seminal vesicle （SV） abnormalities （28.5%, 356/1249）. A total of 237 patients were diagnosed with congenital defects （agenesis and/or hypoplasia） of the SV, constituting more than half of the cases of SV disease in OA （19.0%, 237/1249）. In contrast to ED, congenital defects of the SV could not be corrected with surgical treatment. Therefore, it is meaningful to compare TRUS and magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） for accurate diagnosis of SV defects. Among our patients, 30 with agenesis or/and hypoplasia of the SV on TRUS were further evaluated using pelvic MRI within 2 years, with the objective of verifying the TRUS results. The concordance rate for diagnosing congenital defects of the SV was 73.3% （22/30）. We concluded that TRUS is a reliable and convenient method for diagnosing agenesis or hypoplasia of the SV in OA patients with a high concordance with MRI while MRI is useful in patients with inconclusive TRUS findings.

Transrectal ultrasound examination of prostate cancer guided by fusion imaging of multiparametric MRI and TRUS:avoiding unnecessary mpMRI-guided targeted biopsy

The purpose of this study was to explore transrectal ultrasound(TRUS)findings of prostate cancer(PCa)guided by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging(mpMRI)and to improve the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System(PI-RADS)system for avoiding unnecessary mpMRI-guided targeted biopsy(TB).From January 2018 to October 2019,fusion mpMRI and TRUS-guided biopsies were performed in 162 consecutive patients.The study included 188 suspicious lesions on mpMRI in 156 patients,all of whom underwent mpMRI-TRUS fusion imaging-guided TB and 12-core transperineal systematic biopsy(SB).Univariate analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between TRUS features and PCa.Then,logistic regression analysis with generalized estimating equations was performed to determine the independent predictors of PCa and obtain the fitted probability of PCa.The detection rates of PCa based on TB alone,SB alone,and combined SB and TB were 55.9%(105 of 188),52.6%(82 of 156),and 62.8%(98 of 156),respectively.The significant predictors of PCa on TRUS were hypoechogenicity(odds ratio[OR]:9.595,P=0.002),taller-than-wide shape(OR:3.539,P=0.022),asymmetric vascular structures(OR:3.728,P=0.031),close proximity to capsule(OR:3.473,P=0.040),and irregular margins(OR:3.843,P=0.041).We propose subgrouping PI-RADS score 3 into categories 3a,3b,3c,and 3d based on different numbers of TRUS predictors,as the creation of PI-RADS 3a(no suspicious ultrasound features)could avoid 16.7%of mpMRI-guided TBs.Risk stratification of PCa with mpMRI-TRUS fusion imaging-directed ultrasound features could avoid unnecessary mpMRI-TBs.

Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in deep angiomyxoma using a biplane transrectal probe:A case report

BACKGROUND Deep angiomyxoma(DAM)is a very rare tumor type.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)is considered the best imaging modality for diagnosing DAM.Computed tomography(CT)is used mainly to assess the invasion range of DAM.The value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of DAM is still controversial.Through a literature review,we summarized the current state of ultrasonic examination for DAM and reported for the first time the contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)features of DAM seen using a biplane transrectal probe.CASE SUMMARY A 37-year-old woman presented with a sacrococcygeal mass that had gradually increased in size over the previous 6 mo.MRI and CT examinations failed to allow a definite diagnosis to be made.Transperineal core needle biopsy(CNB)guided by transrectal ultrasound and CEUS was suggested after a multidisciplinary discussion.Grayscale ultrasound of the lesion showed a layered appearance with alternating hyperechoic and hypoechoic patterns.Transrectal CEUS showed a laminated distribution of the contrast agent that was consistent with the layered appearance of the tumor on grayscale ultrasound.We performed transperineal CNB of the enhanced area inside the tumor under transrectal CEUS guidance and finally made a definitive diagnosis of DAM through histopathology.The patient underwent laparoscopic-assisted transabdominal surgery combined with transperineal surgery for large pelvic tumor resection and pelvic floor peritoneal reconstruction.No recurrence or metastasis was found at the ninemonth follow-up.CONCLUSION Transrectal CEUS can show the layered perfusion characteristics of the contrast agent,guiding subsequent transperineal CNB of the enhanced area within the DAM.

Real-time transrectal ultrasound-guided seminal vesiculoscopy for the treatment of patients with persistent hematospermia: a single-center, prospective, observational study

This study aimed to describe endoscopic anatomy of the seminal tract and summarize our experience of transutricular seminal vesiculoscopy(TSV)guided by rea卜time transrectal ultrasonography(TRUS)in managing persistent hematospermia.A total of 281 consecutive patients with persistent hematospermia who underwent TSV with or without real-time TRUS were enrolled in this single-center,prospective,observational study.The median follow-up period was 36.5(range:8.0-97.5)months.TSV was successfully performed in 272(96.8%)patients.The approach of a 4.5/6 F rigid vesiculoscope entering the seminal tract was categorized into four types on the basis of endoscopic presentation of the ejaculatory duct orifice and verumontanum.Seven(2.6%),74(27.2%),64(23.5%),and 127(46.7%)patients had Types I(through the ejaculatory duct in the urethra),II(through the ejaculatory duct in the prostatic utricle),III(transutricular fenestration through a thin membrane),and IV(real-time transrectal ultrasound-guided transutricular fenestration)approach,respectively.In patients who successfully underwent surgery,bleeding occurred in the seminal vesicle in 249(91.5%)patients.Seminal vesiculitis,calculus in the prostatic utricle,calculus in the ejaculatory duct,calculus in the seminal vesicle,prostatic utricle cysts,and seminal vesicle cysts were observed in 213(78.3%),96(35.3%),22(8.1%),81(29.8%),25(9.2%),and 11(4.0%)patients,respectively.Hematospermia was alleviated or disappeared in 244(89.7%)patients 12 months after surgery.Fifteen patients had recurrent hematospermia,and the median time to recurrence was 7.5(range:2.0-18.5)months.TSV guided by TRUS may contribute to successful postoperative outcomes in managing persistent hematospermia.

Prostate cancer prediction forest algorithm that takes using the random into account transrectal ultrasound findings, age, and serum levels of prostate-specific antigen

The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of the random forest algorithm that combines data on transrectal ultrasound findings, age, and serum levels of prostate-specific antigen to predict prostate carcinoma. Clinico-demographic data were analyzed for 941 patients with prostate diseases treated at our hospital, including age, serum prostate-specific antigen levels, transrectal ultrasound findings, and pathology diagnosis based on ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of the prostate. These data were compared between patients with and without prostate cancer using the Chi-square test, and then entered into the random forest model to predict diagnosis. Patients with and without prostate cancer differed significantly in age and serum prostate-specific antigen levels （P 〈 0.001）, as well as in all transrectal ultrasound characteristics （P 〈 0.05） except uneven echo （P = 0.609）. The random forest model based on age, prostate-specific antigen and ultrasound predicted prostate cancer with an accuracy of 83.10%, sensitivity of 65.64%, and specificity of 93.83%. Positive predictive value was 86.72%, and negative predictive value was 81.64%. By integrating age, prostate-specific antigen levels and transrectal ultrasound findings, the random forest algorithm shows better diagnostic performance for prostate cancer than either diagnostic indicator on its own. This algorithm may help improve diagnosis of the disease by identifying patients at high risk for biopsy.

Relationship between age and prostate size

In a community-based study, the relationship between age and human prostate size was investigated in a population of men between the ages of 40 and 70 years to determine the normal prostate increase curve equation. One thousand male volunteers were randomly recruited from the Shanghai community, and the length, width, height, volume of the transition zone （TZ） and the whole prostates were measured by transrectal ultrasound （TRUS）. Each volunteer was evaluated bythe International Prostate Symptom Score （IPSS）. Among those who completed the examination, the mean prostate parameters were all positively associated with increased age. There were statistically significant differences between each age group （P〈O.05）. The mean transition zone volume （TZV） had a higher increase rate with age than the mean total prostate volume （TPV）, indicating that the enlargement of the TZ contributed the most to the increase in TPV. While all prostate parameters were positively correlated with the IPSS, the strongest correlation was associated with the TZ length （TZL） and TZV. The growth curve equations for prostate width, height and length were also positively associated with increasing

Relation of size of seminal vesicles on ultrasound to premature ejaculation

Myriad biological factors have been proposed to explain premature ejaculation （PE）. However, data correlating PE with seminal vesicles （SVs） are sparse. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the size of SV and PE. The cross-sectional study included 44 outpatients with PE and 44 volunteers without PE, and the size of SV was compared. Self-estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency time, the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool （PEDT）, the International Index of Erectile Function-15, and the National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index were used for assessment of symptoms. Compared to the control group, the PE group had significantly higher mean anterior-posterior diameter （APD） of SV （P 〈 0.001）. The optimal mean APD of SV cutoff level was 9.25 mm for PE. In the PE group, PEDT was also higher with a mean APD of SV ≥9.25 mm compared with mean APD of SV 〈9.25 mm. PEDT was significantly correlated with the mean APD of SV （r = 0.326, P = 0.031）. The seminal plasma proteins were compared between six PE and six matched control cases by mass spectrometry and it was shown that 102 proteins were at least 1.5-fold up- or down-regulated. Among them, GGT1, LAMC1, and APP were significantly higher in the PE group. These results indicated that men with a larger mean APD of SV might have a higher PEDT score. Transrectal ultrasound of SV should be considered in the evaluation of patients with premature ejaculation. SV might be a potential target for the treatment of patients with PE and ultrasound change in SV.

Transrectal ultrasonography-guided transperineal bilateral seminal vesicle puncture and continuous irrigation for the treatment of intractable hematospermia

Hematospermia is a rare condition, but often causes frustration. The reason for this frustration is that theexact incidence of hematospermia remains unknown and its cause is difficult to determine.^1 Many reports in the past decades have focused on the etiology of hematospermia.^2 Hematospermia is treated initially by administration of antibiotics, coagulants, and sex steroid hormones. However, some cases may prove resistant to this therapy and the condition may continue. For some intractable and agnogenic cases, the therapeutic strategy mentioned above is not very effective. Recently, we treated 63 such nonresponsive patients by direct continuous antibiotic irrigation into the bilateral seminal vesicles through puncture under transrectal ultrasonography （TRUS） guidance.

Added value of shear-wave elastography in the prediction of extracapsular extension and seminal vesicle invasion before radical prostatectomy

The purpose of this study was to analyze the value of transrectal shear-wave elastography(SWE)in combination with multivariable tools for predicting adverse pathological features before radical prostatectomy(RP).Preoperative clinicopathological variables,multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging(mp-MRI)manifestations,and the maximum elastic value of the prostate(Emax)on SWE were retrospectively collected.The accuracy of SWE for predicting adverse pathological features was evaluated based on postoperative pathology,and parameters with statistical significance were selected.The diagnostic performance of various models,including preoperative clinicopathological variables(model 1),preoperative clinicopathological variables+mp-MRI(model 2),and preoperative clinicopathological variables+mp-MRI+SWE(model 3),was evaluated with area under the receiver operator characteristic curve(AUC)analysis.Emax was significantly higher in prostate cancer with extracapsular extension(ECE)or seminal vesicle invasion(SVI)with both P<0.001.The optimal cutoff Emax values for ECE and SVI were 60.45 kPa and 81.55 kPa,respectively.Inclusion of mp-MRI and SWE improved discrimination by clinical models for ECE(model 2 vs model 1,P=0.031;model 3 vs model 1,P=0.002;model 3 vs model 2,P=0.018)and SVI(model 2 vs model 1,P=0.147;model 3 vs model 1,P=0.037;model 3 vs model 2,P=0.134).SWE is valuable for identifying patients at high risk of adverse pathology.

Prostatic anatomical parameters correlate with clinical characteristics suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia

We conducted the present study to assess the correlation of the prostatic anatomical parameters,especially the ratio of peripheral zone thickness and transitional zone thickness,with clinical and uroflowmetry characteristics suggestive of benign prostate hyperplasia(BPH).A total of 468 consecutive patients with a detailed medical history were identified.All patients were evaluated by scoring subjective symptoms with the International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS)and quality of life(QoL).The prostatic anatomical parameters were measured using transrectal ultrasonography,and postvoid residual urine and maximum flow rate(Q_(max))values were also determined.Pearsonfs correlation analysis revealed that both total prostate volume(TPV;r=0.160,P<0.001)and transitional zone volume(TZV;r=0.104,P=0.016)increased with patients7 age;however,no correlations were observed of TPV,TZV,transitional zone index(TZI),and transitional zone thickness(TZT)with IPSS or QoL(all P>0.05).Peripheral to transitional zone index(PTI)was found negatively correlated with total IPSS(r=-0.113,P=0.024),storage IPSS(r=-0.103,P=0.041),and voiding IPSS(r=-0.123,P-0.014).As regards the uroflowmetry characteristics,PTI(r=0.157,P=0.007)was indicated to be positively correlated with Q_(max)and negatively correlated with TZI(r=-0.119,P=0.042)and TZT(r=-0.118,P=0.045),but not correlated with TPV,TZV,or peripheral zone thickness(PZT)(all P>0.05).Postvoid residual urine(PVR)had not correlated with all the prostatic anatomical variables(all P>0.05).This is the first study that formally proposed the concept of PTI,which is an easy-to-measure prostate anatomical parameter which significantly correlates with total IPSS,storage IPSS,voiding IPSS,and Q_(max),suggesting that PTI would be useful in evaluating and managing men with lower urinary tract symptoms(LUTS)/BPH.However,well-designed studies are mandatory to verify the clinical utility of PTI.

The role of prostate-specific antigen density and negative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in excluding prostate cancer for biopsynaive men:clinical outcomes from a high-volume center in China

This study aimed to assess the role of prostate-specific antigen density(PSAD)and negative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging(mpMRI)in predicting prostate cancer for biopsy-naive men based on a large cohort of the Chinese population.From a prostate biopsy database between March 2017 and July 2021,we retrospectively identified 240 biopsy-naive patients with negative prebiopsy mpMRI(Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2[PI-RADS v2]score<3).Logistic regression analysis was performed to select the potential predictors for clinically significant prostate cancer(csPCa).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis and area under the ROC curve(AUC)were performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy.The negative predictive values of mpMRI in excluding any cancer and csPCa were 83.8%(201/240)and 90.8%(218/240),respectively.R0C curve analysis indicated that PSAD was the most promising predictor,with an AUC value of 0.786(95%confidence interval[CI]:0.699-0.874),and multiparametric logistic regression analysis confirmed that higher PSAD remained a significant marker for predicting csPCa(odds ratio[0R]:10.99,95%CI:2.75-44.02,P<0.001).Combining negative mpMRI and PSAD below 0.20 ng ml^(-2)obviously increased the predictive value in excluding PCa(91.0%,101/111)or csPCa(100.0%,111/111).If a PSAD below 0.20 ng ml^(-2)was set as the criterion to omit biopsy,nearly 46.3%of patients(463 per 1000)with negative mpMRI could safely avoid unnecessary biopsy,with approximately 4.2%of patients(42 per 1000)at risk of missed diagnosis of PCa and no patients with csPCa missed.A PI-RADS v2 score<3 and a PSAD<0.20 ng ml^(-2)could be potential criteria for the Chinese population to omit prompt biopsy safely.