[Value of nomogram based on the ultrasonographic features of prostatic calcification and varicocele and serological indicators in differential diagnosis of prostate cancer].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the diagnostic performance of the nomogram based on the transabdominal ultrasonographic features of prostatic calcification and varicocele (VC) and serological indicators in differentiating PCa with BPH from simple BPH. METHODS: This retrospective study included 108 cases of PCa with BPH and 317 cases of simple BPH, all pathologically confirmed after surgery from January 2014 to December 2021. Using t test or χ2/Fisher test, we compared the clinicopathologic data, transabdominal ultrasonographic features of prostatic calcification, VC severity and serological indicators between the two groups of patients. We identified the significant independent factors for differentiating PCa with BPH from simple BPH by multivariate logistic regression analysis and constructed a nomogram for visualizing the differential diagnostic performance. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the types and diameters of prostatic calcification, PSA density (PSAD), total PSA (tPSA), VC severity, and serum testosterone level between the two groups (P < 0.05). The types of calcification, PSAD and VC severity were identified as independent factors for differentiating PCa with BPH from simple BPH. Nomogram analysis of the above factors showed a good predicting performance, with an AUC of 0.805, a sensitivity of 83.28% and a specificity of 70.37%. CONCLUSION: Transabdominal ultrasonographic features and types of prostatic calcification, PSAD and VC severity are correlated with the development and progression of PCa. Nomogram analysis of the above factors contributes to the differentiation of PCa with BPH from simple BPH.