In vivo aneuploidization during the expansion of renal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A correlation has been observed between DNA ploidy and other prognostic parameters such as tumor stage and grade. The present study evaluates tumor aneuploidization during renal adenocarcinoma expansion and growth. METHODS: A total of 252 renal tumors were analyzed between 1969 and 2001. Evaluated variables were age, TNM, Fuhrman classification, histology, size and DNA. A tumor was homogeneous when all the samples were diploid or aneuploid, and a heterogeneous tumor was the coexistence of aneuploid and diploid samples, or all-aneuploid with different aneuploid clones. RESULTS: A total of 224 tumors were included (coefficient of variation <8). The DNA study classified 129 (57.6%) as diploid and 95 (42.4%) as aneuploid. The percentage of aneuploid tumors increased significantly with the pathological stage. Both aneuploid patterns were also significantly more frequent in advanced pathological stages. Tumors with multiple aneuploid clones (n = 17) were significantly more frequent in tumors measuring `4 cm. Both aneuploid patterns showed no differences in survival (p = 0.83), indicating that the heterogeneous pattern probably represents an intermediate step between diploid and homogeneous aneuploid tumor status. CONCLUSIONS: The aneuploid pattern is more common in more advanced stages of the disease, with no clear correlation to primary tumor size. This suggests gradual aneuploidization with tumor expansion and growth.

[PSA and hK2 in the diagnosis of prostate cancer]. / PSA y hK2 en el diagnóstico de cancer de próstata.

Serum markers for prostate carcinoma are widely applied for the purpose of early detection of cancer and the differentiation between benign and malignant disease, for the pre-treatment staging of detected prostatic cancers, and for the monitoring of prostate cancer after curative or palliative therapies. Since its discovery in 1979, serum PSA has been the most powerful marker of prostate cancer, but, when used alone, PSA is not sufficiently sensitive or specific to consider it an ideal tool for the early detection or staging of prostate cancer. To optimize the use of PSA, the concepts of PSA velocity, PSA density, and age-related PSA values were developed. Moreover, the molecular forms of PSA, especially the percentage of free PSA, seem to be useful tools for the detection of prostate cancer in men with slightly elevated total PSA. Human kallikrein 2 (hK2), a serine protease closely related to PSA that also is expressed predominantly in the prostate, is a new complementary marker to PSA for early detection of prostate cancer. In this review, we examine PSA testing and its effectiveness in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Further, we also evaluate recent literature regarding the use of hk2.

PSA y hK2 en el diagnóstico de cáncer de próstata / PSA and hK2 in the diagnosis of prostate cancer

Los marcadores séricos de cáncer de próstata son ampliamente usados para la detección precoz de este cáncer, estadiaje tumoral y para la monitorización tras tratamiento curativo o paliativo. Desde su descubrimiento en 1979, el PSA ha sido el marcador de cáncer de próstata más importante. Sin embargo, el PSA de forma aislada no presenta una especificidad y sensibilidad adecuadas como para considerarlo un test idóneo en la detección precoz de cáncer de próstata. Para aumentar la especificidad se han desarrollado los conceptos de velocidad de PSA, PSA-edad, densidad de PSA y las formas moleculares de PSA, sobre todo en pacientes que no presentan cifras de PSA muy elevadas. La hK2, una calicreína glandular humana muy parecida al PSA y que también se expresa predominantemente en la próstata, es otro nuevo marcador sérico de cáncer próstata. En esta revisión valoramos el papel del PSA y la hK2 en el diagnóstico precoz de cáncer de próstata (AU)

Serum markers for prostate carcinoma are widely applied for the purpose of early detection of cancer and the differentiation between benign and malignant disease, for the pre-treatment staging of detected prostatic cancers, and for the monitoring of prostate cancer after curative or palliative therapies. Since its discovery in 1979, serum PSA has been the most powerful marker of prostate cancer, but, when used alone, PSA is not sufficiently sensitive or specific to consider it an ideal tool for the early detection or staging of prostate cancer. To optimize the use of PSA, the concepts of PSA velocity, PSA density, and age-related PSA values were developed. Moreover, the molecular forms of PSA, especially the percentage of free PSA, seem to be useful tools for the detection of prostate cancer in men with slightly elevated total PSA. Human kallikrein2 (hK2), a serine protease closely related to PSA that also is expressed predominantly in the prostate, is a new complementary marker to PSA for early detection of prostate cancer. In this review, we examine PSA testing and its effectiveness in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Further, we also evaluate recent literature regarding the use of hk2 (AU)

[Indications, results and techniques of permanent prostate brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer]. / Braquiterapia de baja tasa en el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata localizado.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Prostate brachytherapy is a first-line therapeutic approach for localized prostate cancer in selected patients. We present our experience in brachytherapy and a thorough review of the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the literature and evaluation of patient's selection was done. Furthermore the implantation technique, oncological results according to the different risk groups and acute and chronic complications were also analyzed. RESULTS: The biochemical relapse-free 10 year survival rate was 87-96% in low risk tumours and 63-86% in intermediate risk tumours. A total of 3-24% underwent urinary retention that required TURP in 0-8,7%. Other complications were urinary incontinence in 0-6,7%, proctitis in 0-15,5%, erectile dysfunction in 6,3-30%, rectal ulcer/fistula in 0-5,4%. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate brachytherapy is a safe and effective treatment in low and intermediate risk patients with prostate cancer.

[Assesmment urethrorrhagia in childhood]. / Valoración de la uretrorragia en el niño.

OBJECTIVE: [corrected] To review urethrorrhagia cases, the need of complementary test, its management and natural history. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective analysis was carried out for the 12 patients who suffered from urethrorrhagia, consecutively diagnosed in our department. Parameters as age, and micturitional habit were evaluated. In this way, we described the diagnostic techniques used, assessment and the follow-up of each patient. RESULTS: All cases correspond to male children with an average age of 8.7 years (range: 18 months-14 years). Urethrorrhagia appears in 100% of the patients, episodes which were daily in 58.4%. 33% (4/12) of them also present other micturitional symptoms. 75% (9/12) had a lazy micturitional habit. Among the urological backgrounds we found: 1 patient was circumcised 3 years ago, a meatotomy was done in other due to meatus stenosis 2 years before, and a last one had an electrocoagulation of a urethral polyp just 1 month before. 83.4% (10/12) of urine cultures were negative. An urethrocystoscope was done in 9 patients finding a verum hypertrophy in 4, inflammatory changes next to membranous urethra in 3, scar at the bulbar urethra in 1 and in a last one no abnormalities were found. Out of 8 patients with lazy micturitional habit, 75% (6/8) resolve spontaneously once they correct their habits after a mean follow-up of 9 months. Only 2 patients needed surgery (TUR). In the other 2 patient, symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Urethrorrhagia in childhood is a benign condition in most cases, which is almost always cured spontaneously during the first 2 years of follow-up. Radiological studies as well as endoscopic procedures are unnecessary in the early management of these patients thus being relegated to recurrent or persistent bleeding.

Valoración de la uretrorragia en el niño / Assessmment urethrorrhagia in childhood

Objetivo: Revisar los casos de uretrorragia, la necesidad de exploraciones complementarias, su manejo e historia natural. Material y Métodos: Analizamos retrospectivamente 12 pacientes que presentaron una uretrorragia, diagnosticados de forma consecutiva en nuestro centro. Se evaluaron parámetros como la edad, tiempo de evolución y hábito miccional. De igual modo, describimos las técnicas diagnósticas utilizadas, el manejo terapéutico y la evolución del paciente. Resultados: Todos los casos corresponden a varones con edad media de 8,7 años (18 meses y 14 años). Los episodios de uretrorragia aparecen en el 100% de los pacientes, mientras que fueron diarios en el 58,4%. El 33% (4/12) se acompañan además de otra sintomatología miccional. El 75% (9/12) presentaban un hábito miccional perezoso. Entre los antecedentes urológicos destacan: 1 paciente circuncidado hacía 3 años, otro al que se le practicó una meatotomía por estenosis del meato 2 años antes y por último, uno al que se le realizó una electrocoagulación de un pólipo uretral hacía un mes. El 83,4% (10/12) de los urinocultivos realizados fueron negativos. Se practicó uretrocistoscopia en 9 pacientes, detectando en 4 una hipertrofia del verum, en 3 cambios inflamatorios adyacentes a la uretra membranosa, en 1 paciente esfacelos en uretra bulbar y en el último no se objetivaron hallazgos patológicos. De los 8 pacientes que presentaban un hábito miccional perezoso, el 75% (6/8) se resolvieron espontáneamente después de corregir el hábito miccional tras una media de 9 meses. Sólo 2 precisaron tratamiento quirúrgico mediante resección endoscópica transuretral. En los otros 2 pacientes la sintomatología desapareció espontáneamente en el transcurso del seguimiento de los mismos. Conclusiones: La uretrorragia en el niño es un proceso benigno en la gran mayoría de los casos, que se resuelve de forma espontánea prácticamente siempre durante los 2 primeros años de seguimiento. Los estudios radiológicos y las exploraciones endoscópicas resultan innecesarios en el manejo inicial de estos pacientes quedando relegadas a cuadros persistentes en el tiempo

Objetive. To review urethrorrhagia cases, the need of complementary test, its management and natural history. Material and method. A retrospective analysis was carried out for the 12 patients who suffered from urethrorrhagia, consecutively diagnosed in our department. Parameters as age, and micturitional habit were evaluated. In this way, we described the diagnostic techniques used, assessment and the follow-up of each patient. Results. All cases correspond to male children with an average age of 8.7 years (range: 18 months- 14 years). Urethrorrhagia appears in 100% of the patients, episodes which were daily in 58.4%. 33% (4/12) of them also present other micturitional symptoms. 75% (9/12) had a lazy micturitional habit. Among the urological backgrounds we found: 1 patient was circumcised 3 years ago, a meatotomy was done in other due to meatus stenosis 2 years before, and a last one had an electrocoagulation of a urethral polyp just 1 month before. 83.4% (10/12) of urine cultures were negative. An urethrocystoscope was done in 9 patients finding a verum hypertrophy in 4, inflammatory changes next to membranous urethra in 3, scar at the bulbar urethra in 1 and in a last one no abnormalities were found. Out of 8 patients with lazy micturitional habit, 75% (6/8) resolve spontaneously once they correct their habits after a mean follow-up of 9 months. Only 2 patients needed surgery (TUR). In the other 2 patient, symptoms. Conclusions. Urethrorrhagia in childhood is a benign condition in most cases, which is almost always cured spontaneously during the first 2 years of follow-up. Radiological studies as well as endoscopic procedures are unnecessary in the early management of these patients thus being relegated to recurrent or persistent bleeding

[Small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in a young man. A case report and literature review]. / Carcinoma vesical de células pequeñas en un varón joven. Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

Small cell carcinoma of the bladder is a rare entity characterized by an aggressive clinical behaviour with a high incidence of systemic metastases. We report a case of small cell carcinoma of the bladder in a young man. The primary local tumour was treated by radical surgery, pelvic radiation therapy and polychemotherapy according CDDP protocol. The patient died six months after surgery because disease progression. We also review and update the literature concerning this infrequently tumour.

Endometriosis vesical: dos nuevos casos / Vesical endometriosis: report of two cases

La endometriosis en el aparato urinario es una patología infrecuente, siendo la vejiga el órgano afecto en la mayoría de las ocasiones. Se manifiesta clínicamente con urgencia, frecuencia, dolor hipogástrico y en ocasiones con hematuria. La cistoscopia es la prueba diagnóstica más fiable aunque el diagnóstico de confirmación es histológico. Presentamos 2 casos de endometriosis vesical en 2 mujeres jóvenes, una con antecedentes de manipulación ginecológica, en las que el tratamiento quirúrgico fue satisfactorio. Tras 1 y 3 años de seguimiento las pacientes permanecen asintomáticas

Endometriosis affecting the urinary tract is very rare and the most common site of involvement is urinary bladder. The clinical features are urgency and frequency, hipogastric pain and hematuria. Cistoscopic examination is the most valuable diagnostic test but definitive diagnosis requires histologic confirmation. We report 2 cases of endometriosis in 2 young women, one with previously cesarean section, in which surgical treatment was effective. After 1 and 3 years of follow-up respectively the patients remain assymptomatic

[Complex renal cyst. A new case]. / Quiste renal complejo. A propósito de un caso.

Approximately 15% of cases of renal cell carcinoma present cystic configuration on radiologic and pathologic examination. These lesions are often difficult to differentiate from the multiloculated renal cyst or other benign cystic lesions such as hemorrhagic cyst and so on. We report a case of multilocular cyst of the right kidney complicated with clear cell type renal cell carcinoma in which MRI suggested benign cyst. The diagnosis of complicated benign cyst must be proposed very cautiously and the persistence of doubtful images justifies surgical exploration.

Quiste renal complejo. A propósito de un caso / Complex renal cyst. A new case

Aproximadamente un 15% de los carcinomas renales presentan un aspecto quístico en las exploraciones radiológicas y estudio anatomopatológico. En ocasiones estos tumores son difíciles de diferenciar de los quistes renales multiloculados u otras lesiones benignas como quistes hemorrágicos. Presentamos un caso de quiste renal complejo en el que la RNM mostró un patrón de quiste simple. El diagnóstico y manejo de estas lesiones debe ser muy cuidadoso y si persisten las imágenes sospechosas está justificada la exploración quirúrgica

Approximately 15% of cases of renal cell carcinoma present cystic configuration on radiologic and pathologic examination. These lesions are often difficult to differentiate from the multiloculated renal cyst or other benign cystic lesions such as hemorrhagic cyst and so on. We report a case of multilocular cyst of the right kidney complicated with clear cell type renal cell carcinoma in which MRI suggested benign cyst. The diagnosis of complicated benign cyst must be proposed very cautiously and the persistence of doubtful images justifies surgical exploration

Nocardial infection in immunosuppressed kidney transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVE: Nocardiosis is a very rare, opportunistic infection caused by microorganisms of the genus Nocardia, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since 1980, our Renal Transplant Unit has carried out 1239 kidney transplants, and five cases of Nocardia infection have occurred during this time. In this retrospective study, special consideration is given to clinical manifestations, treatment response (efficacy and side-effects) and the evolution of both the patient and the graft. Microbiological factors studied included biochemical profiles and antimicrobial sensitivity. RESULTS: Nocardiosis was observed in five men with a mean age of 49.2 years who had received immunosuppressive therapy (generally cyclosporin/azathioprine and prednisone) for a mean of 47.8 months (range 1-148 months). Four of the patients had good previous renal function. The clinical presentation of nocardiosis was as follows: pleuropulmonary pattern of infection, n = 3; subcutaneous abscess, n = 1; and fulminant multi-organ disseminated nocardiosis, n = 1. In all cases, direct observation using modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining proved positive, and in vitro culture revealed good sensitivity to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and variable sensitivity to the other groups of antibiotics. Nocardia brasiliensis was isolated in two cases, and Nocardia asteroides in three. Two patients died, one due to multiple organ involvement and the other due to acute respiratory failure associated with severe hepatopathy caused by hepatitis C virus. The remaining cases improved. CONCLUSION: A low incidence of nocardiosis following kidney transplantation was observed. Fatal cases occurred in patients with bacteremia and serious comorbid medical conditions, in whom early diagnosis and specific treatment was required.

[Brucellar orchiepididymitis]. / Orquiepididimitis por Brucella.

Brucellosis is a cause of human disease, especially in regions whose brucellosis in animals is enzootic. Brucella orchitis is a rare complication of systemic brucellosis (2-14%). Necrotizing orchitis is posible and it must be distinguished from necrotizing involvement arising from other pathogens (TB or Salmonella). Treatment with specific antimicrobial medication helps to avoid unnecessary orchiectomy and prevent infectious disease in the contralateral testis as well as systemic manifestations. We report a case of brucellar epididymo-orchitis presenting as an acute scrotal mass in a 19 years old male who lived in a city. The anamnesis was crucial in the diagnosis of this rare testicular infection. We review the diagnosis and management of this patology.

[Vesical endometriosis: report of two cases]. / Endometriosis vesical: dos nuevos casos.

Endometriosis affecting the urinary tract is very rare and the most common site of involvement is urinary bladder. The clinical features are urgency and frequency, hipogastric pain and hematuria. Cistoscopic examination is the most valuable diagnostic test but definitive diagnosis requires histologic confirmation. We report 2 cases of endometriosis in 2 young women, one with previously cesarean section, in which surgical treatment was effective. After 1 and 3 years of follow-up respectively the patients remain assymptomatic.

[Complications of uretero-renoscopy]. / Complicaciones de la uretero-renoscopia.

INTRODUCTION: Since its clinical introduction ureteroscopy (URS) has experienced an impressive development due to the technical improvements of new and smaller urological armamentarium. Currently, ureteroscopy is a worldwide procedure with a varied number of diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities. However, the technique has complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyse the complications of URS in a series of 4.645 ureteroscopic procedures performed from january 1990 to december 2001, 2972 (64%) female and 1673 (36) male. The objectives of URS were diagnostic (haematuria) and therapeutic (ureteral stones, tumors, strictures and placement of stents). RESULTS: Fever was the most frequent complication (11.7%), with sepsis in 15 patients. Another complications were: ureteral perforation (1.2%), ureteral avulsion (0.06%), renal injury (0.04%), extrusion (0.4%) and uretero-iliac fistulae (0.02%). The most common treatment was conservative with endourological approach. CONCLUSION: Carefully performed ureteroscopy is a superb tool for the urologist either for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes with a low ratio of complications. The majority of these complications can be solved with conservative management.

[Vesicouterine fistula. Our experience of 25 years]. / Fístulas vesicouterinas. Nuestra experiencia tras 25 años.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the current state of vesicouterine fistulae in our hospital, the factors associated with their development and the findings obtained from the treatments used. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carry out a retrospective study on a group of patients suffering from vesicouterine fistulae who were treated in our service for the last 25 years with a 2 year minimum follow-up. RESULTS: 6 cases of vesicouterine fistulae were evaluated. In 83.3% (5/6) of the cases occurred following caesarean section. The average age of the patients was 36.5 years old. In 50% of the cases, urinary incontinence immediately after surgery determined an early diagnosis. In 5 patients deferred abdominal surgical approach was carried out. All of the patients remained asymptomatic during the follow-up years. Two pregnancies were recorded 24 months after repair with a full term delivery. CONCLUSIONS: The vesicouterine fistula, despite being infrequent, is no longer an exceptional diagnosis. Currently, the low segmentarian caesareans constitute the major isolated risk factor for fistula development. We recommend a deferred surgical repair without discarding a conservative approach for those cases of small and early fistula.

[Bilateral testicular epidermoid cyst in a pediatric patient with Klinefelter syndrome]. / Quiste epidermoide testicular bilateral en un paciente pediátrico con síndrome de Klinefelter.

Epidermoid cysts of the testis are rare in children (3% of all the testicular tumors). Bilateral appearance has only been described in the pediatric age in 2 cases and none associated to Klinefelter's syndrome. We present, for our knowledge, the first case of bilateral epidermoid testicular cyst associated to klinefelter's syndrome in a boy, highlighting its management and therapeutic approach. We analyze the different kinds of treatment.

Quiste epidermoide testicular bilateral en un paciente pediátricocon síndrome de klinefelter / Bilateral epidermoid testicular cyst in an infant with klinefelter´s syndrome

Los quistes epidérmicos testiculares son lesiones muy infrecuentes en la edad infantil (3 por ciento de todas las tumoraciones testiculares). Sólo se ha descrito su aparición bilateral en la edad pediátrica en 2 observaciones y ninguna de ellas asociada a síndrome de Klinefelter. Presentamos, en este sentido, el primer caso en nuestro conocimiento de quiste epidérmico bilateral testicular asociado a síndrome de Klinefelter en un niño, destacando el manejo y la conducta terapéutica realizada analizando asimismo las distintas pautas de tratamiento propuestas (AU)

[Peripheral nerve evaluation:indications, technique and results]. / Exploración de raíces sacras: indicaciones, técnica y resultados.

INTRODUCTION: Sacral nerve neuromodulation is a new treatment modality for patients with chronic voiding dysfunction (CVD). The aim of this treatment is to restore the disbalanced micturition reflexes by electrical stimulation ot the sacral roots. Peripheral Nerve Evaluation (PNE) is the first step needed to determine wether sacral nerve stimulation for the control of lower urinary tract dysfunction is appropriate for a given patient, yielding accurate information about the location, integrity and function of sacral nerves, and motor and sensorial responses to electrical stimulation. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 43 PNE in 28 patients (13 man and 15 women) were performed between january 2000 and november 2001 (mean age 56.3 years old, 22-76). Every patient have been diagnosed of CVD: 13 Urinary Urge Incontinence (UUI). 5 Urgency-Frequency Syndrome (UFS), 7 Dysfunctional Voiding (DV) and 3 Mixed Syndromes (1 patient UFS + DV and two patients with UUI + DV). RESULTS: Every acute stimulation showed positive sensory and motor responses. There was premature lead migration in 8 PNE (18.6%), preventing an appropriate evaluation of the temporal stimulation. 35 PNE were evaluated after a 6.5 days period (3-15) of electrical stimulation. There were no significative complications, and PNE was well tolerated. Good clinical results (> 50% reduction in symptoms) were observed in 7/13 patients with UUI (53.8%), 2/5 patients with UFS (40%), 1/7 patients with DV (14.2%) and 1/3 patients with mixed syndromes (UUI + DV) (33.3%). 11 of 28 patients with CVD (39.2%) have been selected as candidates for permanent implantation. CONCLUSION: Actually, PNE is the first step needed to determine wether sacral nerve stimulation for the control of lower urinary tract dysfunction is appropriate for a given patient. With PNE we can select properly adequate candidates for permanent implantation. It is an easy and well tolerated technique, and can be performed in any medical center in an outpatient basis.

[Renal transplantation in patients with enterocystoplasty]. / Trasplante renal en pacientes con enterocistoplastia.

OBJECTIVES: To asses the impact of augmentation enterocystoplasty on the success of cadaveric renal transplantation in patients with dysfunctional bladders. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1980 and 2001, 3 men and a woman with severe dysfunctional lower urinary tract underwent a total of 4 cadaveric renal transplantations. The etiologies of the bladder dysfunction were bladder contraction secondary to urinary tuberculosis in all cases. In 3 patients were performed an enterocystoplasty with ileocecal segment and one with ileon. RESULTS: The overall allograft survival was 58.7 months. Two patients have functioning grafts 27 and 74 months after transplant, 1 has died due to an intestinal disease and other had chronic rejection after follow-up of 98 months. Technical complications occurred in 3 patients. All patients remain continent without catheterization after the transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Enterocystoplasty is a safe and effective method of restoring lower urinary tract function in the patient with end stage renal disease and a small non compliant bladder.