Prostate biopsy: results and advantages of the transperineal approach--twenty-year experience of a single center.

PURPOSE: Detection rate for prostate cancer (PCa) and complications following transperineal prostate biopsy (TPBx) were reported. METHODS: From January 1991 to December 2012, 4,000 men underwent TPBx; from 1991 to 2001, the patients underwent biopsy for suspicious DRE or PSA values >4 ng/mL; moreover, from 2002, the indications were abnormal DRE, PSA >10 ng/mL, PSA values between 4.1 and 10, 2.6 and 4 and <2.5 ng/mL with F/T PSA <25, <20 <15 %, respectively. In case of initial biopsy, the number of needles cores increased from 6 (1991-1996) to 12 (1997-2012) and 18 cores (2002-2012); in case of repeat biopsy, since 2005 a saturation biopsy (SPBx) with >24 cores was performed. RESULTS: Overall, PCa, normal parenchyma, HGPIN and ASAP were found in 1,379 (34.5 %), 2,400 (60 %), 175 (4.4 %) and 46 (1.1 %) patients, respectively; in case of initial TPBx, the scheme at 18 showed a greater PCa detection in comparison with scheme at 6-12 cores (p < 0.05). In case of repeat biopsy, a higher detection of microfocus of cancer was found performing a SPBx; moreover, 15 % of cancers were localized in the anterior zone. Incidence of hemospermia and urinary retention were correlated with the number of needle cores resulting equal to 30.4 versus 11.1 % in case of SPBx (p < 0.05); moreover, none developed sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Transperineal prostate biopsy (TPBx) resets the risk of sepsis; moreover, in case of repeat SPBx, the transperineal approach detects a high number of significant PCa localized in the anterior zone (15 % of the cases).

Detection rate of anterior prostate cancer in 226 patients submitted to initial and repeat transperineal biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the detection rate of anterior zone (AZ) prostate cancer (PCa) in patients submitted to initial and repeat transperineal prostate biopsy. METHODS: From January 2013 to August 2013, 226 patients (median age 64 years) with negative digital rectal examination underwent initial (144 cases) and repeat (82 cases) transperineal prostate biopsy for PSA >10 ng/ml, PSA 4.1-10.0 or 2.6-4.0 ng/ml with free/total PSA ≤25% and ≤20%, respectively. A median of 22 versus 32 cores were performed, including 4 cores of the AZ versus 6 cores (4 anterior plus 2 cores of the transition zone, TZ) at initial versus repeat biopsy, respectively. The detection rate of PCa of the peripheral zone (PZ), AZ and TZ was prospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The median PSA was 7.6 ng/ml; overall, a stage cT1c PCa was found in 104/226 (46%) patients, in 70 (48.6%) and 34 (41.5%) of the men who underwent initial and repeat biopsy, respectively. An AZ PCa was found in 11.5 vs. 8.8% (p = 0.32) of the patients submitted to initial versus repeat biopsy, respectively. AZ cancers demonstrated a number of positive cores (p = 0.03), greatest percentage of cancer (p = 0.001) and total percentage of cancer (p = 0.001) significantly lower in comparison with PZ PCa; moreover, 56.2 vs. 36.5% of AZ versus PZ PCa were characterized by a microfocus of cancer (p = 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: AZ biopsies increase the detection rate of PCa (about 10% of cases) at initial and repeat biopsy, allowing reduction of the biopsy false-negative rate.

Primary carcinoid tumour of the testis: A case-report.

Testicular carcinoid tumours (TCT) account for less than 1% of all testicular neoplasms. A 17-year-old male underwent radical orchiectomy for a painful indurated and increased in size right testicle; a mixed echogenic mass, with a central homogeneous area surrounded by a hypoechoic edge with calcifications was found at ultreasound with increased vascularity at color Doppler examination. Biochemical markers were within normal limits. These symptoms are not specific and the majority of TCT are only diagnosed on histopathology. Patients should undergo long-term biochemical and radiological follow-up given potential for delayed metastases, in one case 17 years after primary treatment.

Accuracy of 3 Tesla pelvic phased-array multiparametric MRI in diagnosing prostate cancer at repeat biopsy.

INTRODUCTION: Multiparametric pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) accuracy in prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2011 to December 2013, 168 patients (median 65 years) with negative digital rectal examination underwent repeat transperineal saturation biopsy (SPBx; median 28 cores) for persistently high or increasing PSA values, PSA >10 ng/ml or PSA values between 4.1-10 o r 2.6-4 ng/ml with free/total PSA < 25% and < 20%, respectively. All patients underwent mpMRI using a 3.0 Tesla scanner equipped with surface 16 channels phased-array coil and lesions suspicious for PCa were submitted to additional targeted biopsies. RESULTS: A T1c PCa was found in 66 (39%) cases; SPBx and mpMRI-suspicious targeted biopsy diagnosed 60 (91%) and 52 (78.8%) cancers missing 6 (all of the anterior zone) and 14 cancers (12 and 2 of the lateral margins and anterior zone), respectively; in detail, mpMRI missed 12 (18.1%) PCa charaterized by microfocal (1 positive core with greatest percentage of cancer and Gleason score equal to 5% and 6, respectively) disease at risk for insignificant cancer. The diameter of the suspicious mpMRI lesion was directly correlated to the diagnosis of PCa with poor Gleason score (p < 0.05); detection rate of cancer for each suspicious mpMRI core was 35.3%. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of mpMRI in diagnosing PCa was 75.7%, 82.5%, 71.8%, 78.9%, 87.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Multiparametric pMRI improved SPBx accuracy in diagnosing significant anterior PCa; the diameter of mpMRI suspicious lesion resulted significantly predictive of aggressive cancers.

Prostate cancer detection rate at repeat saturation biopsy: PCPT risk calculator versus PCA3 score versus case-finding protocol.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) risk calculator versus prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) score versus case-finding protocol accuracy in prostate cancer diagnosis in patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) below 10 ng/mL submitted to repeat saturation biopsy (SPBx). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2010 to December 2011, 100 patients (median 66 years) underwent a SPBx (median 30 cores); the indications for repeat biopsy were those of a case-finding protocol: PSA values between 4.1 ng/mL-10 ng/mL or 2.6 ng/mL-4 ng/mL with F/T PSA ≤ 25% and ≤ 20%, respectively. All patients had negative digital rectal examination (DRE) and median PSA was 7.9 ng/mL. The performance of PCPT risk calculator (alone, combined with PSA free/total ( F/T) or PCA3 score) and PCA3 score in comparison with the case-finding protocol results (alone or combined with PCA3 score) was retrospectively evaluated in terms of detection rate for cancer and number of avoided biopsies. RESULTS: Prostate cancer was found in 28 (28%) patients; in the presence and absence of prostate cancer median PCA3 score was 57 versus 35 (p < 0.05). Using PCPT risk calculator (cut off probability of 25%) combined with PCA3 score no prostate cancer would be missed avoiding 8% of unnecessary biopsies. PCA3 score > 20 missed 7.2% of cancer; the case-finding protocol combined with PCA3 score > 35 would save 22% of avoidable biopsies, missing no cancer if all patients with PSA F/T ≤ 15% would undergo prostate biopsy irrespective of PCA3 values. CONCLUSIONS: PCA3 score improves PCPT risk calculator accuracy in prostate cancer diagnosis; moreover, PCA3 score combined with PSA F/T reduce number of unnecessary biopsies (about 20%).

Does prolonged anti-inflammatory therapy reduce number of unnecessary repeat saturation prostate biopsy?

INTRODUCTION: The effect of a prolonged oral anti-inflammatory therapy on PSA values in patients with persistent abnormal PSA values after negative prostate biopsy (PBx) was evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From September 2011 to September 2012, 70 patients (medi- an age 62 years), with persistent abnormal PSA values after negative extended PBx, were given an herbal extract with anti-inflammatory activity for 3 months (Lenidase®; 1 tablet daily constituted of baicalina, bromelina and escina). All patients were submitted to prostate biopsy for: abnormal DRE; PSA > 10 ng/mL, PSA values between 4.1-10 or 2.6-4 ng/mL with free/total PSA < 25% and < 20%, respectively. Three months after the end of anti-inflammato- ry therapy all patients were revaluated; indication for repeat saturation biopsy (SPBx) and detection rate for PCa were compared with those previously recorded in our Department using the same inclusions criteria for biopsy. RESULTS: Oral administration of Lenidase® was well tolerated and no side effects were observed; PSA values decreased in 54 (77.8%) out 70 patients with a median PSA reduction of 20.5% (from 8.8 to 7 ng/mL) and remained unchanged in 16 patients (22.2%); the repeat SPBx rate resulted significantly lower (22.8% vs 35.5%; p < 0.05) showing a superimposable detection rate for PCa (3 cases) in comparison with our previous data (18.7% vs 22%). CONCLUSIONS: In our preliminary data a prolonged oral anti-inflammatory therapy reduced PSA levels in patients with negative PBx and persistent suspicious for PCa decreasing the indication to perform repeat SPBx (about 30% of the cases).

Erectile function after repeat saturation prostate biopsy: our experience in 100 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) incidence following repeat saturation prostate biopsy (SPBx) was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2011 to June 2012 295 patients underwent repeat transperineal SPBx (median 28 cores) under sedation. The indications for biopsy were: abnormal DRE, PSA > 10 ng/mL or included between 4.1-10 with free/total PSA < 25%. All patients were prospectively evaluated with the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) at baseline and 1, 3 and 6 months from SPBx. RESULTS: 100/200 men with benign histology and normal sexual activity completed the study; median IIEF-5 score before and after SPBx was equal to 18.3 (baseline) vs 17.8 (1 month later) vs 18 (3 months later) vs 18.1 (6 months later) (p > 0.05); in detail, 1 month from biopsy 5 (5%) men referred a mild ED that disappeared at 3 and 6 months evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat transperineal SPBx under sedation did not significantly worsened erectile function; the minimal risk of temporary post-biopsy ED could be previously discussed (not emphasised) with potent patients.

Management of severe blunt renal trauma in adult patients: a 10-year retrospective review from an emergency hospital.

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Immediate surgery for major renal truma has led to a high rate of nephrectomy in comparison with an expectant management. We reviewed our case material on the management of severe blunt renal trauma in adults with emphasis on conservative management. Only shattered kidneys and pedicle avulsion required immediate surgery. OBJECTIVE: To review retrospectively the management of major blunt renal truma in adult patients admitted to our level I trauma centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Among 1460 blunt abdominal trauma cases collected from January 2001 to December 2010, 221 (15%) affected the kidneys. All patients, except seven who needed immediate laparotomy, underwent a computed tomography scan to stage the injuries. Renal injuries were graded according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Grading System; grade 4 and 5 injuries were subclassified based on vascular or parenchymal injury. RESULTS: Only 45/221 patients (20%) suffered major blunt renal trauma (21 grade 3, 18 grade 4 and six grade 5); 43% of the patients had associated lesions and 77% had gross haematuria. Nephrectomy rates were 9% for grade 3, 22% for grade 4 and 83% for grade 5 with an exploration rate of 26% for major renal trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management of grade 3-5 blunt renal trauma in haemodynamically stable patients yields more favourable results with high renal salvage rate. Grade 5 injuries still result in a nephrectomy rate of more than 80%. The absence of data on long-term outcomes and a potential inclusion bias due to the retrospective nature of the data represent major limitations of this review.

Is PCA3 score useful in preoperative staging of a single microfocus of prostate cancer diagnosed at saturation biopsy?.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) score accuracy in preoperative staging of cases of single microfocus of prostate cancer (PCa; less than 5% with Gleason score ≤6) diagnosed after repeat saturation biopsy (median 30 cores). METHODS: From January 2009 to March 2012, 38 patients (median 64 years) with a microfocus of PCa, median PSA of 9.1 ng/ml and T1c clinical stage underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy. PCA3 score (cut-off of 20 vs. 35) was evaluated in predicting insignificant PCa (pIPCa: cancer volume <0.5 ml and Gleason score ≤6) versus organ-confined (OC) versus non-OC PCa. RESULTS: Median PCA3 score results were equal to 10 versus 53 (p < 0.05) versus 108 (p < 0.05) in the presence of pIPCa (13.2%), versus OC (65.8%) versus non-OC PCa (21%), respectively. PCA3 scores were significantly correlated with tumor volume. CONCLUSIONS: A PCA3 score cut-off >20 in the presence of a microfocus of PCa is highly predictive of significant PCa (diagnostic accuracy equal to 86.8%) at definitive specimen.

PCA3 score and prostate cancer diagnosis at repeated saturation biopsy. Which cut-off: 20 or 35?

PURPOSE: To compare PCA3 score cut-off of 35 vs 20 in PCa diagnosis in patients undergoing repeated saturation prostate biopsy (SPBx). MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2010 to May 2011, 118 patients (median 62.5 years) with primary negative extended biopsy underwent a transperineal SPBx (median 30 cores) for persistent suspicion of PCa. The indications for repeated biopsy were: persistently high or increasing PSA values; PSA > 10 ng/mL, PSA values between 4.1-10 or 2.6-4 ng/mL with free/total PSA ≤ 25% and ≤ 20 %, respectively; moreover, before performing SPBx urinary PCA3 score was evaluated. RESULTS: All patients had negative DRE and median PSA was 8.5 ng/mL (range: 3.7-24 ng/mL). A T1c PCa was found in 32 patients (27.1 %): PCA3 score was 59 (median; range: 7-201) in the presence of PCa and 35 (median; range: 3-253) in the absence of cancer (p < 0.05). In the presence of ASAP and HGPIN median PCA3 score was 109 (range: 42-253) and 40 (range: 30-140), respectively. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of PCA3 score cut-off of 20 vs 35 in PCa diagnosis were 44.9 vs 50 %, 90.6 vs 71.9 %, 27.9 vs 41.8 %, 31.9 vs 31.5 % and 88.9 vs 80 %, respectively. ROC analysis demonstrated an AUC for PCA3 ≥ 20 vs ≥ 35 of 0.678 and 0.634, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that PCA3 is more useful as an exclusion tool; moreover, setting a PCA3 cut-off at 20 vs 35, would have avoided 22.9 vs 38.1 % of biopsies while missing 9.4 % and 28 % diagnosis of PCa.

PCA3 score accuracy in diagnosing prostate cancer at repeat biopsy: our experience in 177 patients.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate PCA3 score accuracy in prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis in patients undergoing repeat saturation prostate biopsy (SPBx). MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2010 to March 2012, 177 patients (median 64 years) with primary negative extended biopsy underwent a SPBx (median 28 cores) for persistent suspicion of PCa. The indications for repeat biopsy were: PSA > 10 ng/mL, PSA values between 4.1-10 or 2.6-4 ng/mL with free/total PSA < 25% and < 20%, respectively; moreover, before performing SPBx PCA3 score was evaluated. RESULTS: Median PSA was 9.5 ng/mL (range: 3.7-28 ng/mL): in 74 (41.8%) cases PSA was > 10 ng/mL, in 99 (56%) and 4 (2.2%) was included between 4-10 and 2.6-4 ng/mL, respectively. Median PCA3 score was equal to 52 (range 3-273); 140 (79%) and 100 (56.5%) patients had a PCA3 score greater than 20 and 35, respectively. A T1c PCa was found in 48 patients (27.1%); PCA3 score was 60 (median; range: 7-208) in the presence of PCa and 34 (median; range: 3-268) in the absence of cancer (p < 0.05). Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of PCA3 score cut-off of 20 vs. 35 in PCa diagnosis were 43.5 vs. 50.2%, 91.7 vs. 73%, 25.6 vs. 41.8%, 31.5 vs. 35% and 89.5 vs. 80.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PCA3 score reduce number of unnecessary repeat SPBx; using a PCA3 cut-off of 20 vs 35 would have avoided 21% vs. 37.8% of biopsies while missing 8.4% (4 cases) vs. 27% (13 cases) of significant PCa, respectively.

Does Ki-67 staining improve quantitative histology in preoperative prostate cancer staging?

To evaluate accuracy of Ki-67 expression on biopsy specimens in comparison with quantitative histology findings for preoperative prostate cancer (PCa) staging. From January 2008 to January 2010, 126 patients (median age 63 years) underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy; median PSA was 9.1 ng/mL; 98 and 28 patients had a clinical stage T1c and T2, respectively. The following variables of quantitative histology were evaluated as predictive of non organ-confined (OC) PCa: Gleason score > 6, TPC > 20%, GPC > 50%, cancer-positive cores > 2, presence of cancer-positive cores in both lateral margins and bilateral PCa. Value of Ki-67% staining in all cancerous cores was calculated. Sixty (47.7%) patients had a non OC-PCa with positive nodes in 12 (20%) cases. The mean Ki-67 score was 4.4%: 3.7% in OC-PCa and 5.6% in non-OC-PCa, respectively. Predictive positive value (PPV) of quantitative histology, Ki-67 (cut-off > 5%) and both parameters to predict a non-OC-PCa vs an OC-PCa was equal to 90%, 40% and 93.4%, vs 36.6%, 78.8% and 78.8%, respectively. Ki-67 staining on biopsy specimens does not improve quantitative histology in predicting non-OC-PCa; moreover, the low expression of Ki-67, even in presence of advanced disease, decreases its prognostic value in predicting an OC-PCa.

Solitary lung metastasis after radical prostatectomy in presence of undetectable PSA.

Clinical recurrence in the absence of biochemical PSA failure is uncommon and accounts for less than 1%; we report a rare case of solitary lung metastasis in a patient with undetectable PSA level (<0.1 ng/mL) after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCa). An asymptomatic 75-year-old man nine years after RP showed a solitary lung mass (about 2 cm) at chest radiography; the 18-FDG-PET/CT confirmed the presence of an isolated mass suspicious for primitive pulmonary cancer. The initial histological specimen after RP showed a mixed acinar and ductal PCa (Gleason score 7, pT3aNO stage, negative surgical margins). A segmental pulmonary resection was performed and definitive specimen demonstrated a single ductal PCa metastasis; after six months from surgery the patient was free from recurrence. In conclusion, in patients with atypical PCa variants imaging studies may be considered in the follow up even in presence of undetectable PSA because they could benefit from early salvage therapy.

Partial priapism secondary to idiophatic segmental thrombosis of corpora cavernosa.

A 51-year-old man presented at our department 2 days after the onset of a painful mass in the perineum and dysuria. Diagnosis of partial priapism secondary to proximal segmental corpora cavernosa thrombosis was made through colordoppler ultrasound (CDU) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment consisted of administration of systemic anticoagulation drugs (acenocumarol) and local injection of ethylephrine chloridrate. The thrombosis resolved after two months with incomplete restoration of erectile function (loss of rigidity). In conclusion, on the basis of previous reports (23 cases reported in literature) and our experience, in presence of painful mass in the perineum, CDU and MRI evaluation allows to make diagnosis of the rare proximal partial priapism that as first option should be treated conservatively.

Does an inflammatory pattern at primary biopsy suggest a lower risk for prostate cancer at repeated saturation prostate biopsy?

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate if an inflammatory pattern at primary biopsy is associated with a lower risk for cancer in men submitted to repeated saturation prostate biopsy (SPBx). METHODS: From January 2005 to January 2010, 320 patients, after a negative primary extended biopsy (median 18 cores), underwent SPBx by transperineal approach performing 27 cores (median). 210 (65.6%) patients had a normal parenchyma and 110 had an inflammatory pattern (34.4%) at primary biopsy (none of them complained of symptoms suggesting a diagnosis of acute prostatitis at the time of biopsy). Moreover, median prostate-specific antigen and abnormal digital rectal examination was equal to 7.3 ng/ml and 3.6% versus 8.2 ng/ml and 3.8%, respectively. RESULTS: Prostate cancer (PCa) was found in 66 (20.5%) of 320 patients. Of these, 42 (63.6%) and 24 (36.4%; p = 0.007) had a histological diagnosis of chronic prostatitis and normal parenchyma at primary biopsy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An inflammatory pattern at primary biopsy is not associated with a decrease in PCa incidence at repeated SPBx; therefore, only an accurate clinical evaluation including more parameters (i.e. urinary PCA3) could hopefully select men who need to undergo rebiopsy in the presence of persistent suspicion of cancer.

Unusual indications for transrectal pelvic ultrasound.

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), routinely performed by urologists to guide prostate biopsy, could be usefully employed in atypical cases. We report our experience in some patients in whom TRUS allowed to obtain a diagnosis in a faster and easier way in comparison to other instrumental procedures usually recommended.

Solitary giant sarcomatoid carcinoma of the bladder. A case report.

A case of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the bladder (SCB) presenting as a giant intravesical mass in a 75-year-old man complaining of lower urinary tract swmptoms (LUTS), abdominal pain and fever is reported. SCB is a rare (0.1% of all primary bladder tumors), aggressive cancer with a complex histology (a biphasic tumor with malignant epithelial and mesenchymal elements) and poor prognosis.

Is transition zone sampling at repeated saturation prostate biopsy still useful?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate retrospectively the detection rate of prostate cancer (PCa) located only in the transition zone (TZ) by directed cores at repeated saturation prostate biopsy (SPB). METHODS: From July 2001 to December 2009, 380 and 43 patients (median age: 63 years) underwent second and third SPB because they were persistently suspicious for PCa. Indications for biopsy were: prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of >10 ng/ml, and PSA between 4.1 and 10 ng/ml or 2.6 and 4 ng/ml with free/total PSA of ≤25 and ≤20%, respectively. A median of 23 cores were taken in the posterior zone, including 3 (median) cores in the TZ. The median PSA was 12.8 and 19.5 ng/ml and the digital rectal examination was positive in 36 (9.5%) and in no cases at second and third SPB, respectively. In patients with persistent and/or increasing PSA or abnormal free/total PSA values after negative second and third SPB, a transurethral prostate resection (TURP) was suggested to avoid the risk of missing a cancer localized in the TZ. RESULTS: PCa was detected in the TZ only in 2/82 cases (2.5%), and in details in 1/79 (1.2%) and 1/3 (33.3%) of the men diagnosed at second and third SPB, respectively. After TURP, a PCa was found in 18/95 men (18.9%; 14 stage T1a and 4 stage T1b) and in 3/15 men (20%; 2 stage T1a and 1 stage T1b) previously having had negative second and third SPB. CONCLUSIONS: Sampling from the prostatic TZ by directed needle biopsies at repeated SPB was associated with a very low incidence of PCa (2.5%), especially if compared to TURP (19% detection rate), and could be omitted.

Can Sonovue targeted biopsy replace extended or saturation biopsy in prostate cancer diagnosis? Our experience at primary and repeat biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the detection rate of prostate cancer (PCa) at initial and repeat biopsy in patients submitted to Sonovue targeted biopsy vs extended or saturation prostate biopsy (SPBx). MATERIAL AND METHODS: From November 2007 to April 2008 60 patients aged 64 years (median) underwent extended TRUS-guided transperineal prostate biopsy. Indications to biopsy were: abnormal DRE, PSA > 10 ng/mL; PSA included between 2.6 and 4.0 and 4.1 and 10 ng/mL with %free/total PSA < or = 20% and < or = 25%, respectively. In 45 and 15 men prostate biopsy was performed as primary and repeated procedure respectively; median PSA was 8.3 ng/mL vs 11.8 ng/mL and digital rectal examination was positive in 9 vs 3 patients, respectively. Before performing extended or SPBx scheme in case of primary (19 cores) and repeated (28 cores) procedure, prostate areas characterized by absence of enhancement after Sonovue (2.4 mg) administration on gray scale during continuous harmonic imaging (HI) contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) were considered suspicious for PCa and submitted to targeted biopsy. RESULTS: 3.5 (median) targeted biopsies were performed in the peripheral zone of 22 men. In patients who underwent primary and repeated biopsy PCa was detected in 20/45 (44.5%) and 3/15 (20%) cases, but Sonovue detected only 6/20 (30%) and 1/3 (33.4%) of cancers, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of Sonovue in diagnosing PCa was equal to 30.0% and 61.5% (primary biopsy) vs 33.4% and 54.5% (repeated biopsy). CONCLUSIONS: Based on its low diagnostic accuracy, Sonovue CEUS HI targeted biopsy can not replace extended or SPBx in diagnosing PCa.

Headache: a unique clinical presentation for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Brain metastases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are generally seen in advanced stages of disease with a short life-expectancy. A solitary, synchronous brain metastasis of RCC is rare and neurological symptoms may be the presenting sign of cancer. An aggressive surgical approach is justified in patients with favorable prognostic factors (good performance status, age under 65 years, absence of extracraneal lesions) for palliation of symptoms and improvement of cancer-related survival.