Valor pronóstico de la citología urinaria en la recidiva del carcinoma urotelial vesical tras la cistectomía radical / Prognostic value of urinary cytology for detecting urothelial carcinoma recurrence after radical cystectomy

Introducción: Las recidivas del carcinoma urotelial (CaU) en uretra o en el tracto urinario superior (TUS), tras una cistectomía radical (CR) son infrecuentes (4-6%), y su diagnóstico suele ocurrir en los 2 primeros años. Actualmente, no existen claras recomendaciones para la detección de recidivas en el urotelio remanente (UR), aunque se sabe que su detección precoz ofrece beneficios en la supervivencia. Nuestro objetivo es determinar el valor diagnóstico de la citología urinaria (CU) para la detección de recidivas en el UR y calcular su impacto como método de diagnóstico precoz en la supervivencia.Material y métodosRevisión retrospectiva de pacientes intervenidos de CR por CaU entre 2008-2016, con un seguimiento mayor de 24 meses.ResultadosSe incluyeron 142 pacientes. En una mediana de seguimiento de 68,5 meses, 9 pacientes (6,3%) presentaron recidivas en el UR (uretra: 4, TUS: 4, sincrónica: uno). La sensibilidad de la CU para el diagnóstico de recidivas en el TUS fue del 20% y la especificidad del 96%. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre la supervivencia global y la supervivencia cáncer específica entre pacientes según el resultado de la CU.ConclusiónLas recidivas en el UR tras una CR son infrecuentes, y en nuestro estudio, hemos encontrado una baja sensibilidad para el diagnóstico de estas con CU. Por estas razones, no consideramos que la CU aporta información útil para el seguimiento de estos pacientes. (AU)

Introduction: Urethral or upper urinary tract (UUT) recurrence of urothelial carcinoma (UC) after radical cystectomy (RC) are rare (4-6%), and their diagnosis usually occurs within the first two years. Although it is known that its early detection offers benefit in terms of survival, currently there are no clear recommendations for the detection of recurrence in the remnant urothelium (RU). Our aim is to determine the diagnostic value of urinary cytology for the detection of recurrences in the RU and to estimate its impact as an early diagnostic method on survival.Material and methodsRetrospective review of patients who underwent RC for urothelial carcinoma between 2008-2016, with a follow-up of at least 24 months.ResultsThe study included 142 patients. In a median follow-up of 68.5 months, nine patients (6.3%) presented recurrences in the RU (urethra: four, UUT: four, synchronous: one). The sensitivity and specificity of urinary cytology for the diagnosis of UUT recurrences were 20% and 96%, respectively. No significant differences were found between overall survival and cancer-specific survival among patients according to the urinary cytology results.ConclusionRecurrences in the RU after RC are infrequent; our study has shown that urinary cytology offers a low sensitivity for their diagnoses. For these reasons, we do not consider that urinary cytology provides useful information for surveillance of these patients. (AU)

Prognostic value of urinary cytology for detecting urothelial carcinoma recurrence after radical cystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Urethral or upper urinary tract (UUT) recurrence of urothelial carcinoma (UC) after radical cystectomy (RC) are rare (4-6%), and their diagnosis usually occurs within the first two years. Although it is known that its early detection offers benefit in terms of survival, currently there are no clear recommendations for the detection of recurrence in the remnant urothelium (RU). Our aim is to determine the diagnostic value of urinary cytology for the detection of recurrences in the RU and to estimate its impact as an early diagnostic method on survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of patients who underwent RC for urothelial carcinoma between 2008-2016, with a follow-up of at least 24 months. RESULTS: The study included 142 patients. In a median follow-up of 68.5 months, nine patients (6.3%) presented recurrences in the RU (urethra: four, UUT: four, synchronous: one). The sensitivity and specificity of urinary cytology for the diagnosis of UUT recurrences were 20% and 96%, respectively. No significant differences were found between overall survival and cancer-specific survival among patients according to the urinary cytology results. CONCLUSION: Recurrences in the RU after RC are infrequent; our study has shown that urinary cytology offers a low sensitivity for their diagnoses. For these reasons, we do not consider that urinary cytology provides useful information for surveillance of these patients.

[Prostate specific antigen and NF-kB in prostatic disease: relation with malignancy]. / Antígeno prostático específico y NF-kB en patología prostática: relación con la malignidad.

INTRODUCTION: NF-kB (p50/p65) is a transcription factor involved in TNF-α-induced cell death resistance by promoting several antiapoptotic genes. We intend to relate the expression of NF-kB (p50 and p65) with serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), both in normal males and in those with pathologic conditions of the prostate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: this study was carried out in 5 normal, 24 benign prostatic hyperplastic (BPH) and 19 patients with prostate cancer (PC). Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses were performed on tissue and serum PSA was assayed by PSA DPC Immulite assays (Diagnostics Products Corporation, Los Angeles, CA). RESULTS: in controls, p65 NF-kB was not found and p50 was scantly detected in 60% normal samples in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. Both p50 and p65 were expressed in 62.5% of the samples with BPH and in 63.2% of those with PC. Both increased its frequency of expression with higher PSA serum levels. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of NF-kB revealed by its nuclear translocation in prostate cancer could be related to cancer progression and elevated seric PSA levels. A better understanding of the biologic mechanism by which circulating PSA levels increase and its relation with NF-kB expression is needed. Possibly, NF-kB blockage could be used as a therapeutic target to counteract proliferation in prostate cancer.

Antígeno prostático específico y NF-kB en patología prostática: relación con la malignidad / Prostate specific antigen and NF-kB in prostatic disease: relation with malignancy

Introducción: NF-kB (p50/p65) es un factor de transcripción implicado en la resistencia a muerte celular provocada por TNF-α que promueve diferentes genes antiapoptóticos. Pretendemos relacionar la expresión de NF-kB con los niveles de antígeno prostático específico (PSA) en suero, tanto en varones sanos como en los que padecen condiciones patológicas de la glándula próstatica. Métodos: el estudio se realizó en 5 varones sanos (controles), 24 pacientes con hiperplasia benigna de próstata (HBP) y 19 pacientes con cáncer de próstata (CP). Se llevó a cabo Western blot e inmunocitoquímica en tejido y se evaluó el PSA sérico mediante PSA DPC immulite assays (Diagnostics Products Corporation, Los Ángeles, CA). Resultados: en los controles no se detectó el componente p65 de NF-kB y el p50 se detectó débilmente en el 60% de las muestras en el citoplasma de células epiteliales. Tanto p50 como p65 se expresaron en el 62,5% de las muestras de HPB y en el 63,2% de los pacientes con CP. Ambos aumentaron su frecuencia de expresión a mayor nivel de PSA. Conclusiones: la activación de NF-kB puesta en evidencia por translocación nuclear en CP parece estar estrechamente relacionada con la progresión de la enfermedad y con los niveles séricos de PSA. Se necesita un mejor conocimiento del mecanismo biológico de la elevación del PSA circulante y de su relación con la expresión de NF-kB. Tal vez el bloqueo de NF-kB podría emplearse como diana terapéutica para frenar la proliferación del cáncer de próstata (AU)

Introduction: NF-kB (p50/p65) is a transcription factor involved in TNF-α-induced cell death resistance by promoting several antiapoptotic genes. We intend to relate the expression of NF-kB (p50 and p65) with serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), both in normal males and in those with pathologic conditions of the prostate. Materials and methods: this study was carried out in 5 normal, 24 benign prostatic hyperplastic (BPH) and 19 patients with prostate cancer (PC). Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses were performed on tissue and serum PSA was assayed by PSA DPC Immulite assays (Diagnostics Products Corporation, Los Angeles, CA). Results: in controls, p65 NF-kB was not found and p50 was scantly detected in 60% normal samples in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. Both p50 and p65 were expressed in 62.5% of the samples with BPH and in 63.2% of those with PC. Both increased its frequency of expression with higher PSA serum levels. Conclusions: Activation of NF-kB revealed by its nuclear translocation in prostate cancer could be related to cancer progression and elevated seric PSA levels. A better understanding of the biologic mechanism by which circulating PSA levels increase and its relation with NF-kB expression is needed. Possibly, NF-kB blockage could be used as a therapeutic target to counteract proliferation in prostate cancer (AU)

[Treatment of urinary stones with laser in special conditions]. / Tratamiento de la litiasis con láser en condiciones especiales.

During the last decade there has been a rapid development in flexible nephroscopy, flexible ureterorenoscopy, laser lithotripsy and instruments for stone manipulation. We are going to review the use of Laser in the management of lithiasis in different situations. Efforts should be made to minimize renal injury and lasers play a significant role in patients with urolithiasis and horseshoe kidneys, chronic renal failure, neurological patients.

[The Leydig-cell testicular tumor. A case report with magnetic resonance images]. / Tumor testicular de células de Leydig. Presentación de un caso con imágenes por resonancia magnética.

OBJECTIVE: An additional case of testicular Leydig cell tumor in a young man is reported. The clinical presentation included gynecomastia and a testicular mass. METHODS/RESULTS: Hormonal studies, testicular US and high resolution MRI were performed before orchidectomy. The histopathological findings were consistent with Leydig cell tumor. A CT scan revealed no metastasis. The patient is clinically disease-free 18 months after orchidectomy. CONCLUSION: High resolution MRI must be performed only when clinic and US findings are discordant.

[Obstruction of the lower urinary tract: contractile capacity of the detrusor and obstruction degree. Analysis of pressure/flow curves]. / Obstrucción del tracto urinario inferior: capacidad contráctil del detrusor y grado de obstrucción. Análisis de las curvas de presión/flujo.

OBJECTIVES: This study attempts to optimize information from pressure/flow curves of patients with obstructive symptoms. METHODS: We performed a computerized analysis of the pressure/flow ratio of 50 consecutive patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and irritative and obstructive symptoms. All patients were evaluated urodynamically. This model (pressure/flow diagram) will allow application of this test (expressed as flow and pressure measurements) to urethral outflow resistance and detrusor power or energy. Outflow obstruction is classified into seven categories (O-VI) and detrusor contractility in four (very weak, weak, normal and strong). RESULTS: The suitability of urodynamic analysis was demonstrated. Those cases considered as indeterminate by the conventional method can be obviated by computerized analysis. The degree of obstruction and the contractile capacity were determined in these cases. CONCLUSIONS: This method provides more accurate information on pathophysiology of voiding, allowing for better diagnosis of outflow obstruction or poor detrusor contractility and avoids the diagnosis of "undetermined".

[Radical prostatectomy: usefulness of selective electromyography of the periurethral sphincter in the assessment of urinary continence]. / Prostatectomía radical: utilidad de la electromiografía selectiva del esfínter periuretral en la valoración de la continencia urinaria.

The exact mechanisms of urinary continence in patients submitted to radical prostatectomy remain unknown. The aim of our study was to evaluate these mechanisms of continence through a complete urodynamic study, with a special emphasis on selective electromyography of the periurethral aphincter. Of a total of 10 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between 1990-1993, a complete clinical control of urinary continence was demonstrated in 7 patients. The complete urodynamic work-up and particularly selective electromyography of the periurethral sphincter permitted evaluating the distal sphincteric mechanism and the degree of functional capacity. All of the cases showed loss of motor units, diminished electromyographic sphincter activity and incomplete lesion of the inferior motor neuron. The present study analyzed the pathophysiological, clinical and urodynamic aspects of these patients.

[Study, treatment and follow-up of 379 patients with urinary tract lithiasis]. / Estudio, tratamiento y seguimiento de 379 pacientes con litiasis del aparato urinario.

Between May 1988 and December 1989, 369 patients were seen at our lithiasis unit. During that time the Unit had neither "percutaneous nephroscope" nor "ureterorenoscope". Twenty-three percent of the patients were not susceptible to therapy either due to spontaneous extrusion of their lithiasis or because it was not considered indicated. Of the remaining 77% (296 cases) 94.5% were referred for extracorporeal lithotrity with shock waves, of which 89.8 were monotherapy and 4.7% a combination with other strategies (medico-lithic, surgical, endoscopic extrusion). At the time of collecting the results, 216 patients had undergone some treatment. In those receiving shock waves, an EDAP piezoelectric lithotripter was used in 19.9% and a HM3-Dornier in 80% of the cases. Taking into consideration the overall resulted from last examination of each patient, 67% were free from lithiasic residues, 25% had residues under 4 mm, and 7.7% residues over 4 mm. 19.4% of the patients developed some kind of complication and 9 patients had to be admitted to hospital.