Detection of HIV-related protein in testes and prostates of patients with AIDS.

The testes and prostates of 14 patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) for whom autopsies were performed were examined for the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the pathologic alterations seen in AIDS. Histologically, the testes contained peritubular fibrosis and variable spermatogenic arrest, which were inconsistent with the young age of these patients. There were also numerous foci of germ cell degeneration and occasional germ cell loss. The Leydig cells were atrophic and decreased in number. The prostates contained increased numbers of concretions. Sections of testis and prostate were stained with an anti-HIV P17 monoclonal antibody with the use of the avidin-biotin technique. Small scattered foci of positive staining were identified in 8 of 14 testes (57%). They were located over one or several degenerating germ cells and the surrounding Sertoli cells. In addition, in 9 of 14 prostates (64%) there were a few minute foci of positive staining in several adjacent glandular epithelial cells. In one case the testis was positive and the prostate was negative, whereas in two cases the testes were negative and the prostate positive. In contrast, 22 testes and 22 prostates of control non-AIDS patients, read double-blind, were negative. The positive controls were HIV-infected tissue culture HUT 78 lymphoma cells in which there were many scattered positive cells. The results indicate the presence of focal HIV-associated protein in the testes and prostates of patients with AIDS, particularly within the foci of germ cell degeneration. The present observations are in accordance with previous research demonstrating the presence of HIV in the seminal fluid of patients with AIDS and appears to indicate the presence of an infection of the male genital tract by the HIV virus.

Dollars and sense--the benefits of membership in the American Urological Association.

OBJECTIVES: To enumerate some of the benefits of being a member in the American Urological Association (AUA) and to request support in promoting membership in our specialty society's parent organization (AUA). METHODS: The benefits of belonging to a medical specialty society are assessed by weighing the costs of membership (financial expenditures, time constraints, society requirements, etc.) against the return one receives (scientific and educational benefit, collegiality, collectively bargained compensation, etc.). From a socioeconomic point of view, many of the benefits cannot be quantified; however, they are real and undoubtedly contribute in a variety of ways to the satisfaction of day-to-day practice. RESULTS: Financial incentives can be quantified, and present times dictate that they be enumerated. Additionally AUA proactively supports the livelihood of its members. Both financial incentives and financial gains are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Membership in AUA continues to be a bargain and the dollars and sense of belonging to AUA represent genuine and unparalleled value.

Primary intrascrotal nontesticular schwannoma.

A supratesticular intrascrotal mass clinically mimicking a spermatocele was found to be a scrotal neoplasm histologically identified as a schwannoma. We herein present the first case of intrascrotal schwannoma to our knowledge.

AIDS presenting as primary testicular lymphoma.

A case of AIDS presenting as a primary testicular lymphoma is reported. Despite the lack of evident systemic disease, such a presentation in a young patient should alert the physician to the possible presence of an underlying human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Tubular ectasia of the rete testis: an ultrasound diagnosis.

Tubular ectasia of the rete testis is a rare benign entity that is often associated with some degree of obstruction at the epididymal level, either post-traumatic or postinfectious in nature. Its characteristic ultrasound findings have been well described in the radiologic literature. We report 6 cases of dilated rete testis diagnosed by ultrasound at our hospital over a 2-year period. Recognition of tubular ectasia by ultrasound, in the appropriate clinical setting, may eliminate unnecessary testicular biopsy or orchiectomy.

Congenital renal arteriovenous malformation in pregnancy presenting with hypertension.

Congenital renal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare, with approximately 50 cases reported in the literature. Typically, they are small (1 to 2 cm) and the majority present with hematuria and symptoms and signs of congestive heart failure. Review of the literature revealed only 4 cases reported in pregnant patients and their presentation was with hematuria and rupture of the AVM. We present a case of a young female patient with a 6 cm congenital renal AVM who was otherwise asymptomatic until her first pregnancy, when she developed and presented with symptoms of hypertension and an abdominal bruit. Her symptoms persisted postpartum. Hematuria and rupture of the AVMs were not part of her clinical course. A partial nephrectomy was curative.

Predictive accuracy of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: correlations to matched prostatectomy specimens.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize observed differences in Gleason score between prostate biopsy and corresponding radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) specimens. METHODS: One hundred consecutive clinically localized prostate cancers diagnosed by transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS-Bx) and treated with RRP were reviewed. All specimens were evaluated in blinded review by a single expert uropathologist and contrasted with the initial histologic analysis, performed by multiple pathologists. RESULTS: Mean Gleason score of TRUS-Bx specimens for blinded review and at initial evaluation were 6.6 +/- 0.1 and 6.0 +/- 0.1 (P < 0.001). Corresponding RRP values were 6.8 +/- 0.1 and 6.5 +/- 0.1 (P < 0.03). Differences in Gleason score between TRUS-Bx and RRP at initial evaluation were significant (P < 0.02), but not in blinded review (P = NS). In blinded review, TRUS-Bx correctly predicted RRP histology for 88% of men with lesions scored as Gleason 5 to 7 and 41% of men with well-(Gleason score of 2 to 4) or poorly differentiated (Gleason score of 8 to 10) lesions (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: TRUS-Bx does not accurately reflect RRP histology when predicting well- or poorly differentiated lesions. Prostate cancer treatment algorithms should not be predicated upon biopsy histology alone. Histologic interpretation is more accurate and precise when performed by a single experienced uropathologist.

Changing testicular histology in AIDS: its implication for sexual transmission of HIV.

OBJECTIVES: The understanding of testicular histology in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is essential, because the sexual route is one of the main means of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus, which is localized primarily in the germ cells of the testes. It is important to determine whether any changes have occurred in the testicular histologic patterns in the course of the AIDS epidemic. METHODS: One hundred forty testicular specimens were available from AIDS autopsies during the AIDS epidemic (1981 to 1998). The epidemic was divided into pre-zidovudine (pre-AZT) therapy (1981 to 1987) and antiviral therapy (1988 to 1998) periods; the latter period was further subdivided on the basis of the particular treatment used. Testicular histology was evaluated and correlated with patient age, CD4 T-cell counts, and pathologic findings in other parts of the body. RESULTS: Testicular histologic findings were categorized into three groups: hypospermatogenesis (group S), spermatogenic arrest (group A), and Sertoli cell only (group O). The percentage of AIDS patients with group S histologic findings remained constant throughout the study period: 26% in the pre-AZT and 28% in the antiviral therapy periods. However, there was a reversal in the percentages of patients in groups A and O: group A decreased from 48% (pre-AZT) to 28% (antiviral) and group O increased from 26% (pre-AZT) to 44% (antiviral). There was no correlation between testicular histologic results and patient age or CD4 count. Opportunistic infections and testicular neoplasms were also identified. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that current therapy and prolongation of survival in AIDS patients are associated with a shift in the histologic findings of testes toward a more pronounced loss of germ cells. However, 28% of patients still show significant spermatogenesis at the time of death from AIDS and this subgroup cannot be identified by age or CD4 T-cell counts. The presence of large numbers of residual germ cells in these patients suggests that they may continue to be infectious throughout their disease course.

Evaluation of asymptomatic microhematuria.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a comprehensive urine cytodiagnostic assay to assist in localizing the site of origin and the etiology of asymptomatic microhematuria. This analysis, which assesses various qualitative and quantitative aspects of the voided urine, is compared simultaneously with controls obtained from the established routine urologic evaluation. METHODS: One hundred consecutive subjects who presented solely for the evaluation of asymptomatic microhematuria were evaluated by the established routine urologic evaluation and a refined urine cytodiagnostic assay. For the purpose of this study, only calculi and neoplasms were considered significant findings. RESULTS: The incidence of significant urologic disease was 13% (3 renal neoplasms, 2 urothelial bladder carcinomas, and 8 urinary calculi). The refined urine cytodiagnostic assay identified both uroepithelial vesical neoplasms, 7 of the 8 urinary calculi, and none of the 3 renal neoplasms. The presence of dysmorphic urinary red blood cells (RBCs) and RBC casts was strongly suggestive of renal parenchymal bleeding. Overall, 43 of 44 subjects (98%) with dysmorphic RBCs and RBC casts failed to demonstrate any significant urologic etiology. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest that the refined cytodiagnostic urine assay may be helpful in distinguishing whether a given patient's microhematuria is of a significant urologic or a renal parenchymal cause. The addition of this specialized urinalysis may prove a useful adjunct in improving the diagnostic yield in patients with asymptomatic microhematuria.

PSA divergence. A new parameter for the accurate longitudinal assessment of prostatic disease.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and the various parameters derived utilizing this marker have increased our ability to diagnose early prostatic disease; however, their accuracy in identifying the etiology of the disease remains somewhat limited. We propose a new PSA derivative, termed "PSA divergence" (PSADI), defined as the change in serum PSA over time (years) divided by the change in prostatic volume over time (years), to more accurately distinguish benign, premalignant, and malignant prostatic diseases. In this study, we evaluated 160 subjects with a PSA >4.0 ng/ml who were found by transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS) to have either benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. These men were followed at 6 or 12 months with serial PSA, digital rectal exam (DRE), and TRUS with rebiopsy. Data analysis demonstrated a statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlation between PSADI and each final pathologic outcome, suggesting that PSADI is useful in distinguishing among intraepithelial neoplasia and benign and malignant prostatic disease.

PSA-detected prostate cancer: contrasts with palpable disease.

The clinical and pathologic characteristics of 100 consecutive men with clinically localized prostate cancer and staged by radical prostatectomy were reviewed. Men with impalpable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) detected cancers (T1c) were contrasted against men with palpable disease (TB). Lesions were clinically staged as T1c in 53 men and TB in 47 men. Mean serum PSA for men with T1c cancers was 11.8 +/- 0.7 ng/dL (normal: 0 > 4) and 14.1 +/- 1.7 ng/dL for men with TB disease. Histologic evaluation revealed a mean Gleason's sum of 6.4 +/- 0.2 (scale: 2 > 10) for T1c lesions and 6.6 +/- 0.2 for men with TB cancers (P = NS). DNA content was diploid in 67% of T1c cancers and 62% of TB lesions (P = NS). An overall 43% clinical staging error was observed. Extraprostatic extension was demonstrated in 36% of T1c cancers and 51% TB lesions (P = NS). PSA-detected cancers were indistinguishable from palpable lesions by all measures evaluated. Prostate cancers detected in asymptomatic men by an elevated PSA should be considered biologically significant lesions.

Periprostatic nerve blockade for transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study.

PURPOSE: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of periprostatic anesthesia administration during prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May to November 2000 transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy was performed in 132 consecutive men due to an abnormal digital rectal examination and/or elevated prostate specific antigen. During biopsy 66 patients each were randomly assigned to receive an injection of 1% lidocaine or normal saline. Immediately after biopsy the pain score was recorded independently by patients and the physician using a 10-point linear scale. In addition, patients were given a descriptive questionnaire to be completed at home and mailed back within 2 weeks of biopsy. RESULTS: Mean patient perceived pain scores plus or minus standard deviation of 2.7 +/- 0.21 in the lidocaine and 4.7 +/- 0.26 in the saline groups were significantly different (p <0.0001), as were mean physician perceived scores of 2.9 +/- 0.27 and 5.1 +/- 0.34, respectively (p = 0.0001). Mean questionnaire scores for pain during biopsy of 2.3 +/- 0.13 in the lidocaine and 3.1 +/- 0.18 in the saline groups were also significantly different (p = 0.0006), as were mean questionnaire scores for pain after biopsy of 1.8 +/- 0.11 and 2.3 +/- 0.13, respectively (p <0.006). There were no adverse effects of injection. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a significant benefit of periprostatic anesthesia over placebo in a randomized double-blind trial. This safe, simple and rapid technique should be applied at transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy to limit undue patient discomfort.

Relationship of prostate-specific antigen and prostate volume in patients with biopsy proven benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Emerging data suggest a direct correlation between prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate volume in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and clinical evidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We attempt to confirm that a similar correlation exists between PSA and prostate volume in patients with biopsy-proven BPH. METHODS: Over a 5 year period, 2,270 patients were confirmed to have BPH as the only histological diagnosis after evaluation with serum PSA, trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy, and prostate volume measurement. PSA and prostate volume were statistically analyzed by age-stratified cohorts, including multiple regression analysis and assessment of correlation using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). RESULTS: Mean PSA and prostate volume increased with each advancing cohort of age, and the correlation of PSA and prostate volume was determined to be statistically significant (P < 0.001) in each cohort with a correlation coefficient ranging from 0.33 to 0.41. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm that the relationship between PSA and prostate volume in a large series of patients with biopsy-proven BPH provides a comparable correlation to data for patients with LUTS and clinical BPH. As such, PSA represents a valuable approximation of prostate volume, and may prove to be clinically useful in the management of patients with BPH.

The perioperative charge equivalence of interstitial brachytherapy and radical prostatectomy with 1-year followup.

PURPOSE: We compare the comprehensive 1-year charges in a consecutive group of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and transperineal interstitial brachytherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer at a single urban institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 consecutive men with clinically localized prostate cancer (T1-T2, N0, M0) were treated during a 15-month period with radical prostatectomy or interstitial brachytherapy. Hospital and outpatient records were analyzed for each patient in regard to preoperative, operative and postoperative charges. Parameters included number of encounters, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, hospitalization and operative charges, and followup visits, diagnostic tests and interventions for 1 year. All charge calculations were based arbitrarily on the 1996 Medicare fee schedule, factoring in the mandated global charge reimbursement period of 90 days for both procedures. RESULTS: Of the patients 38 underwent radical prostatectomy (prostatectomy group) and 22 underwent interstitial brachytherapy (brachytherapy group). The brachytherapy group was older with higher pretreatment serum prostate specific antigen and clinical stage disease, and more frequently received neoadjuvant hormonal therapy compared to the prostatectomy group. The 2 groups were similar in Gleason score and, when applicable, duration of neoadjuvant hormonal therapy. Preoperative charges were 15.3% lower for prostatectomy than for brachytherapy (not statistically significant). Conversely, operative charges for prostatectomy were 13.5% higher (p = 0.04). The major difference among preoperative, operative and postoperative charges was for those incurred postoperatively by the brachytherapy group, which were 56.0% higher than those for the prostatectomy group ($2,285.20 versus $1,007.20, p = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: Transperineal interstitial seed implantation is perceived by many as more cost-effective than radical prostatectomy for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. We demonstrated that when such patients were followed for 1 year, the comprehensive charges for radical prostatectomy and interstitial brachytherapy were equivalent.

Indinavir urolithiasis: an emerging cause of renal colic in patients with human immunodeficiency virus.

PURPOSE: We evaluate the clinical, diagnostic and radiographic findings in patients on indinavir therapy who presented with renal colic, and propose appropriate treatment options for indinavir urolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 16 patients positive for human immunodeficiency virus on indinavir were evaluated for 18 episodes of severe renal colic requiring hospitalization. Laboratory evaluation was performed in all patients followed by an imaging study. Conservative treatment included intravenous hydration, narcotic analgesics and temporary cessation of indinavir. Intervention was elected only in patients with persistent fever or intractable pain. A month after hospital discharge an excretory urogram and metabolic stone evaluation were performed. Mean followup was 9.3 months and 2 patients had recurrent symptoms. RESULTS: All patients presented with nausea or vomiting and hematuria. Imaging studies confirmed obstruction in all patients with 13 radiolucent (indinavir) and 3 radiopaque (calcium oxalate) stones. Patients with radiolucent and radiopaque stones demonstrated significant differences in urinary pH (p = 0.002) and serum creatinine (p = 0.03). Conservative therapy was successful in 11 patients (68.8%) within 48 hours and 4 patients (25%) with radiolucent calculi required endoscopic stenting for persistent fever. Metabolic stone evaluation demonstrated significant hypocitruria (less than 50 mg./24 hours) in all patients with radiolucent calculi. CONCLUSIONS: The urologist should be familiar with this growing cause of renal colic in patients on indinavir therapy. Pure indinavir stones are radiolucent and have a soft, gelatinous endoscopic appearance. Conservative treatment is successful in most patients and if intervention is deemed medically necessary, endoscopic stent placement should be the procedure of choice.

Cost-effective hydrocele ablation.

PURPOSE: The surgical repair of hydroceles can be relatively expensive in some cases in terms of costs and initial limitation of activity. We ascertain whether aspiration and sclerotherapy of hydroceles is a safe, efficient, cost-effective treatment modality in select patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 47 patients 51 hydroceles were treated in the office with aspiration and instillation of a sclerosing solution based on a sodium tetradecyl sulfate preparation. One treatment was done in 14 cases and 2 in the remainder. Medicare data for 1995 were used for charge analysis. RESULTS: The overall success rate was 61% (34 of 51 cases) with success defined as no perceptible ipsilateral scrotal fluid reaccumulation on palpation by a physician and complete patient satisfaction. The failure rate was 39% (17 cases) with failure defined as perceptible ipsilateral scrotal fluid reaccumulation on palpation by a physician and/or patient dissatisfaction. The charge differential of surgery versus aspiration and sclerotherapy was greater than 9:1. CONCLUSIONS: The aspiration and sclerotherapy technique that we used appears to be an efficacious, safe, cost-effective treatment modality in select patients with idiopathic hydroceles.

Changing trends in the management of prostatic disease in a single private practice: a 5-year followup.

Evaluation and management services provided by the practicing urologist have changed dramatically during the last few years. This is particularly evident in the approach to men with bladder outlet symptoms and in those in whom the diagnosis of prostate cancer is a distinct possibility. The impact of medical management/observation of symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy, as well as the influence of prostate specific antigen, transrectal ultrasound and biopsy, radical prostatectomy and hormonal agents in a 3-man private clinical practice is analyzed. The records of 2,206 patients new to the practice who presented with a variety of prostate-related complaints from July 1, 1986 to June 30, 1991 were reviewed. Of these patients 1,822 (82%) were evaluated for presumed benign bladder outlet symptoms. During year 1 of the study, ending on June 30, 1987, 28% of the presumed benign prostatic hypertrophy patients were treated with transurethral prostatectomy, compared to only 8% of such patients in 1991. In contrast, alpha-blocking agents were used to treat 21% of these patients in 1991. Transrectal ultrasound biopsy currently accounts for 87% of all prostatic biopsies, increasing 4-fold during 5 years. Radical prostatectomy has increased 6-fold during the course of the study. Administration of a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue has supplanted orchiectomy and estrogen therapy for the treatment of disseminated disease, as witnessed by a 4-fold increase in its use. While it is recognized that these trends are presently applicable to our local metropolitan region, they may reflect practice patterns in similar demographic groups, as well as predict future tendencies nationwide.

Bladder cancer clinical guidelines panel summary report on the management of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (stages Ta, T1 and TIS). The American Urological Association.

PURPOSE: The American Urological Association convened the Bladder Cancer Clinical Guidelines Panel to analyze the literature regarding available methods of treating nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer, and to make practice policy recommendations based primarily on treatment outcomes data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The panel searched the MEDLINE database for all articles related to nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer published from 1966 to January 1998. Outcomes data were extracted from articles accepted after panel review and meta-analyzed to produce comparative probability estimates for alternative treatments. RESULTS: All of the intravesical agents (thiotepa, bacillus Calmette-Guerin, mitomycin C and doxorubicin) when used as adjuvant therapy after transurethral resection resulted in a lower probability of recurrence compared to resection alone. However, there is no evidence that intravesical therapy affects long-term progression. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with no prior intravesical therapy adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy is a treatment option after endoscopic removal of low grade Ta bladder cancers. Intravesical instillation of bacillus Calmette-Guerin or mitomycin C is recommended for carcinoma in situ, and after endoscopic removal of T1 and high grade Ta tumors.