Predictive Value of Transrectal Ultrasonic Doppler and Elastographic Features in Prostate Cancer Detection in Lagos University Teaching Hospital

J West Afr Coll Surg. 2024 Apr-Jun;14(2):218-224. doi: 10.4103/jwas.jwas_123_23. Epub 2024 Feb 22.

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed at determining the predictive value (PV) of transrectal ultrasonic Doppler and elastographic features in prostate cancer (PCa) detection among patients in Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

Materials and methods: This prospective study involved patients that underwent evaluation for PCa. Participants had digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) assay, and transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy using colour Doppler (CD) and elastography. All cores were sent for histopathology. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 22.0. CD and elastography PV in PCa detection and their relationships to the Gleason score (GS) were analysed (P < 0.05).

Results: Seventy men (aged between 45 and 87 years) were enrolled. Forty-three (61.4%) patients had PCa with a mean age of 69.37 ± 8.22years. The sensitivity, specificity, positive PV (PPV), negative PV (NPV) and accuracy of CD were 8.50%, 97.44%, 64.10%, 66.42% and 66.31%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of elastography were 84.21%, 94.59%, 88.89%, 92.11% and 91.07%, respectively.

Conclusion: There is a significant association between decreased elasticity (elastography) and PCa detection but a weak association between increased vascularity (CD) and PCa detection. A positive correlation exists between extent of prostatic stiffness and GS.

Keywords: Elastography; prostate biopsy; prostate cancer; transrectal ultrasound.