Tumour size in adrenal tumours: its importance in the indication of adrenalectomy and in surgical outcomes-a single-centre experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relevance of tumour size in adrenal tumours in the estimation of malignancy risk and in the outcomes of adrenalectomy. METHODS: We evaluate the histological results and surgical outcomes (intraoperative and postsurgical complications) in a retrospective single-centre cohort of patients without history of active extraadrenal malignancy with adrenal tumours consecutively operated in our centre during January 2010 and December 2020. We compared these results in lesions smaller and larger than 40, 50, and 60 mm. RESULTS: Of 131 patients with adrenal tumours who underwent adrenalectomy, 76 (58.0%) had adrenal masses measuring ≥ 40 mm; 47 were > 50 mm and 28 > 60 mm. The final diagnosis was adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) in 7 patients, pheochromocytoma in 35, and benign lesions in the remaining. All patients with ACC had adrenal masses > 50 mm, with Hounsfield units > 40 and low lipidic content in the CT. The risk of ACC and pheochromocytoma increased as tumour size did. The diagnostic accuracy of tumour size was quite good for the prediction of ACC (AUC-ROC 0.883). Nevertheless, when only adrenal tumours with HU < 40 were considered, the risk of ACC was 0% independent of tumour size. For pheochromocytomas, the risk was of 8.6% independent of tumour size for lesions with < 20HU. The risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications was independent of tumour size. CONCLUSION: Risk of malignancy and of pheochromocytoma increased as tumour size increased, but, in the presurgical estimation of malignancy risk and of pheochromocytoma, not only tumour size, also lipidic content and other radiological features, should be considered. The risk of complications was independent of tumour size, but hospital stay was longer in patients with complication or open approach.

Protocol for presurgical and anesthetic management of pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas: a multidisciplinary approach.

OBJECTIVE: To offer a practical guide for the presurgical and anesthetic management of pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas (PGLs). METHODS: This protocol was based on a comprehensive review of the literature and on our own multidisciplinary team's experience from managing pheochromocytoma and sympathetic PGLs at a referral center. RESULTS: Patients with pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas (PGLs) may develop potentially life-threatening complications, especially during surgical procedures. A complete biochemical, radiological, genetic, and cardiological assessment is recommended in the preoperative stage as it provides an evaluation of the risk of surgical complications and malignancy, allowing individualization of the presurgical treatment. Treatment with α-blockade and proper volume expansion in the preoperative stage significantly reduces the perioperative morbidity. During surgery, the anesthesiologist should look for a deep anesthetic level that inhibits the cardiovascular effects of catecholamines to minimize the risk of intraoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: An optimal presurgical evaluation of pheochromocytomas/ sympathetic PGL requires a multidisciplinary approach, including a complete hormonal, radiological, cardiac, genetic, and functioning evaluation in most cases. A proper preoperative evaluation in combination with strict blood pressure and heart rate control, and blood volume status optimization, will significantly reduce the risk of intraoperative and perioperative complications. In those patients who unfortunately develop intraoperative complications, the role of the anesthesiologist is essential since the selection of the appropriate management has a direct impact on morbimortality reduction.

Surgical and postsurgical management of abdominal paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas.

PURPOSE: To describe our current protocol for surgical and postsurgical management of abdominal paragangliomas (PGLs) and pheochromocytomas, with a special focus on multidisciplinary management in centres with experience. METHODS: The physicians involved in the management of patients with abdominal PGLs and pheochromocytomas of our hospital reviewed systematically current knowledge on the surgical management of abdominal PGLs and pheochromocytomas. RESULTS: Currently, surgery is considered the treatment of choice for abdominal PGLs and pheochromocytomas. The choice of surgical approach is determined based on the location of the lesion, size, patient́s body habitus and the likelihood of malignancy. Laparoscopic surgery is usually considered the gold standard approach for pheochromocytomas, but open access should be considered in invasive and/or potentially malignant tumours >8-10 cm and for abdominal PGLs. Postsurgical management of pheochromocytomas and PGLs includes close hemodynamic monitoring and treatment of postsurgical complications, the pathological study of the surgical specimen, reassessment of hormonal and/or radiological status and planning of follow-up based on the risk of recurrence and malignancy. CONCLUSION: Surgery represents the treatment of choice of most abdominal PGLs and pheochromocytomas. Optimal postsurgical evaluation, including hemodynamic, pathological, hormonal, and radiological evaluation, should be performed by a multidisciplinary team specializing in PGL/pheochromocytoma management.

Clinical Usefulness of Prostate-specific Membrane Antigen-ligand Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for the Detection of Prostate Cancer Biochemical Recurrence after Primary Radiation Therapy in Patients with Prostate-specific Antigen Below the Phoenix Threshold: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

AIMS: After primary radiotherapy, biochemical recurrence is defined according to the Phoenix criteria as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value >2 ng/ml relative to the nadir. Several studies have shown that prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-ligand positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) can help in detecting recurrence in patients with low PSA values. This study aimed to assess the detection rate and patterns of PSMA-ligand PET/CT uptake in patients with suspected biochemical recurrence after primary radiotherapy and with PSA levels below the Phoenix threshold. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The meta-analysis was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Articles providing data on patients with suspected prostate cancer recurrence after primary radiotherapy with a PSA value below the Phoenix threshold and who underwent PSMA-ligand PET/CT were included. Quality assessment was carried out using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool (QUADAS-2). RESULTS: In total, five studies were included, recruiting 909 patients (202 with PSA ≤2 ng/ml). The PSMA-ligand detection rate in the patients with ≤2 ng/ml ranged from 66 to 83%. The most frequent source of PSMA-ligand PET/CT uptake was local recurrence, followed by lymph node metastasis and bone metastasis. PSMA-ligand PET/CT uptake due to local-only recurrence was more likely in patients with PSA ≤2 ng/ml compared with PSA > 2 ng/ml: risk ratio 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.58-0.89), P = 0.003. No significant differences were observed in the detection of PSMA-ligand uptake in other areas. Limitations include a lack of biopsy confirmation, cohort reports with small sample sizes and a potentially high risk of bias. CONCLUSION: A significant detection of PSMA-ligand-avid disease was observed in patients with PSA levels below the Phoenix threshold. There was a higher likelihood of detecting local-only uptake when the PSA value was ≤2 ng/ml. The findings suggest that a critical review of the Phoenix criteria may be warranted in the era of PSMA-ligand PET/CT and highlight the need for further prospective trials.

Metabolic syndrome in calcium oxalate stones: Is it so important in this type of lithiasis?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The association of the metabolic syndrome with lithogenesis has been described, especially in uric acid stones. The aim of the work was to analyze the role of the metabolic syndrome in oxalocalcic lithogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Metabolic evaluation of 151 patients including biochemical, hormonal and 24-urine urine parameters, as well as characteristics associated with metabolic syndrome. The relationship between the characteristics associated with the metabolic syndrome and those related to lithogenesis was evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient (SCC), Student's t test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The average body mass index (BMI) was 25.9 (SD 3.7). The median age was 51 years (18.6-84.8) and 64.9% were men. There were no statistically significant differences between hypertension and estradiol, testosterone, triglycerides or cholesterol (P=.191, .969, .454, .345, respectively). Regarding glucose, the mean was 114.5 and 93.5mg/dl in patients with and without hypertension (P=.000). The levels of glucose, estradiol, testosterone or cholesterol did not vary with proteinuria (P=.518, P=.227, P=.095, P=.218, respectively). The mean triglycerides were 185.6 and 108.2mg/dl in patients with and without proteinuria (P=.001). Hypertension and proteinuria were not associated (P=.586). BMI correlated with serum and urinary uric acid and urinary creatinine. CONCLUSIONS: There are few associations between the characteristics of the metabolic syndrome and the anomalies related to lithogenesis. Metabolic syndrome does not seem to have a relevant role in the development of oxalocalcic stones.

Comparison between percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureteroscopy for the treatment of 2 and 3cm renal lithiasis. / Comparación entre nefrolitotomía percutánea y ureteroscopia flexible para el tratamiento de litiasis renales de entre 2 y 3cm.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: The first-line treatment for >2cm lithiasis is percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), leaving flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) as a second option. In the present review, the stone-free rate and the complications of both techniques were evaluated in the treatment of 2-3cm stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic review of studies that compared both techniques. Studies that were not comparative, as well as those carried out in the pediatric population or with <2cm or>3cm stones, were excluded. Two researchers independently performed the investigation, obtaining 5 studies that made up a total of 815 patients: 252 belonged to the fURS group and 563 to the PNL group. Four studies were retrospective, and one was non-randomized prospective. RESULTS: Stone-free rate ranged between 47.0% and 95.0% for the fURS and between 87.0% and 100% for the PNL. The complication rate was 8.8-29.0% in the fURS and 11.9-27.0% in the PNL. fURS required a greater number of procedures, and had a lower decrease in haemoglobin and creatinine rise compared to PNL. CONCLUSIONS: The stone-free rate was higher for PNL, although the fURS could reach comparable results at the expense of performing several procedures. Both techniques have a similar frequency of complications, but the PNL has more postsurgical analytical alterations.

Experience With Hypothermic Machine Perfusion in Expanded Criteria Donors: Functional Outcomes.

Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) decreases delayed graft function (DGF) and improves 1-year graft survival in expanded criteria donors (ECDs). Time of HMP could be associated with incidence of DGF. OBJECTIVE: To analyze functional outcomes of ECD grafts preserved totally (local grafts) or partially (imported grafts) with HMP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed prospectively collected data from a cohort of first ECD graft receptors, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. A total of 119 imported and 74 local grafts were included. Local ECD kidneys were preserved with HMP after retrieval. Imported ECD kidneys were preserved with simple cold storage and HMP. Vascular thrombosis, acute rejection, DGF, 1-year glomerular filtration rate, and 1-year graft survival were assessed. Univariate and estimative multivariate logistic regression was applied for analysis of DGF. A Cox proportional hazards model was applied to estimate graft survival. RESULTS: DGF occurred in 14 recipients of local grafts and in 33 recipients of imported grafts (28.0 vs 18.1%, P = .13); 1-year graft survival was better in the group of local grafts (80.3 vs 91.9%, P = .03). No differences in vascular thrombosis (5.9 vs 5.4%, P = .88), acute rejection (12.3 vs 9.8%, P = .91), or 1-year glomerular filtration rate (41.2 vs 40.5 mL/m/1.73m2, P = .87) were observed. In multivariate analysis, adjusted odds ratio for DGF was 1.20 (P = .79) and adjusted hazard ratio for graft survival was 1.93 (P = .31). CONCLUSIONS: There is a trend that complete HMP reduces the risk of DGF and improves 1-year graft survival in ECD kidneys.

MicroRNAs in Kidney Machine Perfusion Fluid as Novel Biomarkers for Graft Function. Normalization Methods for miRNAs Profile Analysis.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators that have emerged as promising biomarkers in kidney transplantation. Quantification of miRNAs can be analyzed by means of biological normalization. The purpose of normalization is to remove technical variation in data, which is not related to the biological changes under investigation. Proper normalization is critical for the correct analysis and interpretation of results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted on graft dysfunction in kidney transplantation from expanded criteria donors. After RNA extraction quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed. The exogenous spike-in normalization was used as technical normalization. Relative expression was calculated using the 2-ΔΔCt method and UniSp2 spike-in was used as reference for normalization. Results obtained were further analyzed by the application of the mean expression value that uses the calculated mean of all miRNAs in a given sample. RESULTS: The mean expression value approach confirmed the significance of a subset of the miRNAs previously identified for delayed graft function development and composed by miRNAs miR-486-5p, miR-144-3p, miR-142-5p, and miR-144-5p. CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNAs are becoming increasingly important as biomarkers in multiple disease processes including kidney transplantation. Perfusion fluid, particularly during hypothermic machine perfusion, provides a valuable pretransplantation source for identification of organ viability biomarkers. Although there is no clear consensus concerning the normalization technique, the mean expression value method shows the better normalization strategy.

[Experimental pancreatic islet transplant into the genito-urinary tract simultaneous to kidney transplant]. / Trasplante experimental de islotes de pancreas en el tracto genitourinario asociado al trasplante renal.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant is a good treatment for both renal and pancreas insufficiency. Experimental apply of genitourinary tract for pancreas implantation is reported in this work. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty animals aged as average 5.5 monts (SD 1.1) and an average weight of 53 kgr were submitted to this protocol. In the day 1 a left nephrectomy is completed and the graft is perfused with University of Wisconsin solution. A partial pancreatectomy is completed at following, isolation of pancreatic islets by colagenase enzymatic digestion. Islets are dryed with Ditizone and culptured for 24 hours at 37 degrees C and 5% CO2. Day-2 a right nephrectomy is performed and orthotopic renal autotransplant using the left kidney is completed. Pancreatic islets are transplanted in 4 different locations of the genitourinary tract: renal subcapsular space, bladder submucosae, testis parenchyma and vas deferens. Day-7, all the animals were sacrifized to complete pathological study. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Viable islets were isolated in bladder submucosae and testis after transdeferential injection.

[Experimental models for research and training in renal transplant]. / Modelos experimentales para la investigación y el entrenamiento en trasplante renal.

An update on aspects and use of different experimental models applied in kidney transplant research is presented . This paper includes qualities, as long as similarities between most frequently used animal models and human clinical standards. Contributions of those models based on microsurgical or laparoscopic techniques are revised. The physiological consequences (hemodynamic, immunologic) of surgical technique (laparoscopy), applied in experimental models as long as non-heart beating organ donor models and organ preservation methods are also reviewed. Finally, an update of those models applied in research in prothocols of either immunosupression or xenotransplant is done.

Functional Results of Renal Preservation in Hypothermic Pulsatile Machine Perfusion Versus Cold Preservation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Hypothermic pulsatile machine perfusion (HPMP) decreases the rate of delayed graft function (DGF) in kidney grafts, compared with cold storage. However, it is not clear its use in the different subgroups of grafts. The objective was to review systematically all studies with better methodologic quality that compare HPMP versus cold storage. METHODS: A systematic review was performed. The sources were Pubmed, Pubmed Central, Cochrane Library, Clinical Key, and Ovid. All randomized controlled trials that compared HPMP versus cold storage in renal grafts from human donors were considered. Outcomes analyzed were: percentage of DGF, primary nonfunction (PNF), and graft function in each group and for the different types of grafts, brain-death donors (DBDs), and different subgroups of donors after circulatory death (DCDs). RESULTS: Twelve clinical trials, out of 9,867 titles, were included. HPMP improved DGF overall, as well as in DBDs and DCDs. The relative risks [RRs] were 0.79 (95% CI, 0.71-0.88), 0.85 (95% CI, 0.74-0.98), and 0.75 (95% CI, 0.61-0.92), respectively. There were no differences in PNF overall and for DBDs or DCDs. The RRs were 0.92 (95% CI, 0.73-1.16), 0.78 (95% CI, 0.22-2.73), and 1.13 (95% CI, 0.73-1.77), respectively. However, analysis with the better quality studies, overall RR for PNF was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.39-0.96). There were no differences between the graft function at 3 months after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: HPMP moderately improved the DGF results in grafts from cadaver donors of all types. HPMP could improve the PNF in grafts from DBDs, although more clinical trials are needed to prove that.

Cryotherapy versus high-intensity focused ultrasound for treating prostate cancer: Oncological and functional results. / Crioterapia frente a high intensity focused ultrasound en el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata: resultados oncológicos y funcionales.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The increasingly early diagnosis of prostate cancer requires a search for therapeutic alternatives with good oncological results that in turn facilitate a good long-term quality of life. This review analyses 2 minimally invasive therapies for treating localised prostate cancer in terms of oncological and functional results, as well as the complications resulting from the therapies. ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE: A systematic literature review was conducted of the treatment of localised prostate cancer with 2 ablative techniques as the primary therapy: cryosurgery or cryotherapy and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). We included patients who underwent procedures that included the entire gland, with hemiablation or focal therapy, which were indicated for low to intermediate-risk prostate cancer according to the D'Amico criteria. We excluded patients with high-risk prostate cancer and those who underwent any prior treatment for prostate cancer. SYNTHESIS OF THE EVIDENCE: After conducting the literature search and excluding the studies that did not meet the protocol criteria, we reviewed a total of 14 studies, with a total of 350 patients treated using cryotherapy and 1107 treated with HIFU. All studies were either prospective or retrospective and were not randomised. The patients' mean age was younger than 75 years. Overall, the rate of disease recurrence in the patients treated with cryotherapy varied between 13.2% and 26%, while the rate for those treated with HIFU varied between 7.3% and 67.9%. The overall demonstrated continence at 12 months was 97.6-100% for cryotherapy and 96-100% for HIFU. In terms of sexual potency rates, cryotherapy showed complete potency at 12 months for 86-100% of the patients treated with focal cryotherapy and slightly lower rates for hemiablation (76.9-100%) and total therapy (39%). HIFU showed potency rates of 89%, 52-80% and 33-78% for focal therapy, hemiablation and total therapy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques have comparable functional results, although the somewhat poorer oncological results for HIFU reflect a steeper learning curve, which could lead to its use in centres with high volumes of patients.

Renal cell carcinoma with vascular invasion: Mortality and prognostic factors. / Carcinoma de células renales con invasión vascular: mortalidad y factores pronósticos.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the results of patients who had been operated of renal cell carcinoma with vascular invasion in our institution, evaluation of prognostic factors and complications. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of 37 patients diagnosed of renal cell carcinoma with vascular invasion operated between May 1999 and July 2013. We used the method of Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the Mantel-Haenszel's test (log rank) and the Cox's proportional hazards analysis test to analyse the risk factors of mortality. RESULTS: The median age was 60 years. Mean follow-up period was 42.1 months. The median overall survival and disease-free survival were 53.8and 36.3 months, respectively. There was statistical association between overall survival and ASA (p=0.047), tumor stage (p=0.003), lymph node involvement (p=0.024), presence of metastases (p=0.013), level of tumor thrombus (p=0, 05) and histological type (p=0.001). 14 patients had grade IIIb complications or higher according to the Clavien Dindo classification, the most frequent was bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Renal cell carcinoma with vascular invasion is a disease with high rate of mortality. Surgery is a therapeutic option that can be curative. The number of complications is important. Survival is conditioned by the ASA, tumor stage, the level of tumor thrombus, lymph node involvement, metastasis and histological type.

[The use of ureteral stents and catheters in renal transplantation.] / Empleo de catéteres y stents ureterales en el trasplante renal.

Mayor urological complications, fistulae and stenosis, mainly affect the vesicoureteral anastomosis and present in the early post-transplant period. The systematic use of ureteral catheters keeps selecbeing controversial with many groups using them only selectively depending on the existence of pretransplant or intraoperative risk factors. METHODS: We performed a bibliographic review through automatized search in the Medline bibliographic database, as the main bibliographic source, and also in Clinical Key. The search strategy included the following terms: "stent" AND "kidney transplantation". RESULTS: The bibliographic search revealed the protective effect of the use of ureteral catheters in the transplant ureteroneocystostomy for both development of fistulae (RR 0.29, 0.12 to 0.74, p=0.009) and stenosis (RR 0.27, 0.09 to 0.81, p=0.02). The use of catheters in immunosuppressed patients was associated with significant increase of the incidence of post-transplant urinary tract infections (RR 1.49 IC 95% 1.04 to 2.15, p=0.03) that was prevented by antibiotic prophylaxis with cotrimoxazole directed against pneumocistis carinii. The rates of permeability of self-expandable metallic stents and extra-anatomic bypasses in the treatment of ureteral stenosis after renal transplantation in high surgical risk patients or after the failure of previous surgery, has varied from 50% to 100%, with a limited number of patients included. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ureteral catheters in the extravesical ureteroneocystostomy reduces the incidence of anastomotic complications. Surgery is the treatment of choice of post-transplant ureteral stenosis. The use of metallic stents and extra-anatomic bypasses should be limited to complex ureteral stenosis when primary therapy has failed, in high surgical risk patients or chronic graft dysfunction.

[Relational database for urinary stone ambulatory consultation. Assessment of initial outcomes]. / Una base de datos relacional para consulta de litiasis urinaria. Evaluación inicial de resultados.

OBJECTIVES: To create a relational database for monitoring lithiasic patients. We describe the architectural details and the initial results of the statistical analysis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Microsoft Access 2002 was used as template. Four different tables were constructed to gather demographic data (table 1), clinical and laboratory findings (table 2), stone features (table 3) and therapeutic approach (table 4). For a reliability analysis of the database the number of correctly stored data was gathered. To evaluate the performance of the database, a prospective analysis was conducted, from May 2004 to August 2009, on 171 stone free patients after treatment (EWSL, surgery or medical) from a total of 511 patients stored in the database. Lithiasic status (stone free or stone relapse) was used as primary end point, while demographic factors (age, gender), lithiasic history, upper urinary tract alterations and characteristics of the stone (side, location, composition and size) were considered as predictive factors. An univariate analysis was conducted initially by chi square test and supplemented by Kaplan Meier estimates for time to stone recurrence. A multiple Cox proportional hazards regression model was generated to jointly assess the prognostic value of the demographic factors and the predictive value of stones characteristics. RESULTS: For the reliability analysis 22,084 data were available corresponding to 702 consultations on 511 patients. Analysis of data showed a recurrence rate of 85.4% (146/171, median time to recurrence 608 days, range 70-1758). In the univariate and multivariate analysis, none of the factors under consideration had a significant effect on recurrence rate (p=ns). CONCLUSIONS: The relational database is useful for monitoring patients with urolithiasis. It allows easy control and update, as well as data storage for later use. The analysis conducted for its evaluation showed no influence of demographic factors and stone features on stone recurrence.

[Glandular cystitis. Endovesical steroid treatment]. / Cistitis glandular. Tratamiento esteroideo endovesical.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of cystitis glandularis, a proliferative disorder of the bladder mucosa whose incidence is estimated to be approximately 1%. METHODS/RESULTS: A case of diffuse cystitis glandularis in a male patient is presented. Intravesical steroid therapy achieved symptomatic resolution, although the proliferative mucosal lesions persist. CONCLUSION: There is currently no non ablative treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective in diffuse cystitis glandularis.

[Treatment of arterial stenosis of the kidney graft with transluminal angioplasty]. / Tratamiento de la estenosis arterial del injerto renal mediante angioplastia trasluminal.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of renal artery stenosis (RAS) after kidney transplantation (KT) in hypertensive patients, the efficacy of transluminal angioplasty in the treatment of hypertension secondary to RAS and the morbidity and mortality of angioplasty. METHODS: RAS was suspected in patients with hypertension refractory to medical treatment, with or without functional deterioration or murmur over the graft. Hypertension control, renal function and requirement of drugs were evaluated in 578 transplants performed from 1979 to 1994. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension post-transplantation was 43.8% (253/578): 14.2% (42/253) had arteriographically demonstrated RAS, accounting for 7.2% (42/578) of the series. Of these 42 patients, 23 (57%) received antihypertensive drugs: 13 (31%) were treated by angioplasty and 6 (12%) underwent surgical revascularization as the first approach. In the patients submitted to transluminal angioplasty, the stenosis was postanastomotic in 7 and anastomotic in 5: one patient was lost to follow-up. Angioplasty was successful in 8 patients and failed in 4. A graft was lost due to artery thrombosis. Complications were observed in 8 patients. There were no deaths and the incidence of RAS recurrence postangioplasty was 33% (4/12). CONCLUSIONS: RAS is a potentially reversible cause of hypertension post-transplantation. Transluminal angioplasty is the first approach in RAS when medical treatment has failed. The success rate of angioplasty was 66% and the incidence of RAS recurrence was 33%.

[Clinical utility of available diagnostic tests in prostatic carcinoma. Results of 500 biopsies. I. PSA, PSA density, and predicted PSA]. / Utilidad clínica de las pruebas diagnósticas disponibles en el carcinoma prostático. Resultados sobre 500 biopsias. Parte I: PSA, densidad de PSA y PSA predecible.

OBJECTIVE: To study the utility of PSA density and predicted PSA results in the diagnosis of prostatic cancer using gland volume. METHODS: 500 patients suspected as having prostatic cancer underwent ultrasound-guided transrectal biopsy. Prostate volume and ultrasound characteristics, serum PSA density, predicted PSA and the difference between both were determined. RESULTS: 44.8% of the patients showed evidence of cancer in the biopsy specimen. These patients had a significantly smaller prostate. The 0.1 and 0.15 PSA density cutoffs had a sensitivity of 96% and 94%, specificity of 10% and 20% and positive predictive value of 46% and 49%, respectively. The statistical values for PSA difference of 1 and 2 were 94% and 92%, 13% and 18%, 47% and 48%, respectively. CONCLUSION: PSA density and predicted PSA results could be useful to avoid biopsies in patients with PSA between 4 and 10 ng/ml and no malignant tumor of the prostate.

[Clinical utility of available diagnostic tests in prostatic carcinoma. Results of 500 biopsies. II. Rectal palpation, PSA, and transrectal echography]. / Utilidad clínica de las pruebas diagnósticas disponibles en el carcinoma prostático. Resultados sobre 500 biopsias. Parte II: Tacto rectal, PSA y ecografía transrectal.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the diagnostic yield of transrectal ultrasound versus digital rectal examination (DRE) and PSA. METHODS: 500 patients with a suspicion of carcinoma of the prostate were evaluated by US-guided transrectal biopsy, PSA determination and DRE. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of these diagnostic methods, utilized alone or in combination, were analyzed. RESULTS: 44.8% of the patients had evidence of cancer in the biopsy specimen. DRE disclosed an indurated prostate in 32% and 45% of the ultrasound scans were suspicious of malignancy (74.2% of those in whom a tumor was demonstrated and 20.4% of those with no tumor, p < 0.001). DRE, PSA > 4 ng/ml and transrectal ultrasound had a sensitivity rate of 52%, 93% and 74%, and a specificity of 85%, 10% and 79%, respectively. The highest sensitivity rate was obtained when biopsy was indicated by an indurated prostate on DRE or PSA > 4 ng/ml or a suspicious transrectal ultrasound scan (96%). The highest diagnostic accuracy, with a specificity of 96%, was obtained in patients with PSA > 10 ng/ml and positive DRE and transrectal ultrasound. CONCLUSION: The combined use of the different tests is fundamental to early diagnosis of prostatic cancer. In our experience, transrectal ultrasound was the method which independently obtained the best predictive values, offering a high sensitivity and specificity.