Microultrasound imaging for accuracy of diagnosis in prostate cancer: a single‑center observational study.

Abstract

Introduction: Research results suggest that high-resolution ultrasonography (microUS) can be used to estimate the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) and identify suspicious areas, enabling precise biopsy during examination.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of microUS in a population of patients with suspected PCa.

Materials and methods: An observational single-center study on the application of microUS was conducted in a group of 439 patients. All examinations were performed using the ExactVu microUS system.

Result: A total of 439 patients with suspected PCa underwent microUS examination. Following the examination, suspicious lesions (positive result) were identified in 196 patients (44.6%). Among them, 86 (43.8%) underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), and suspicious lesions were found in 36% of the cases. There was no major difference in the frequency of positive results on microUS and mpMRI (P <⁠0.4). Concordant results of mpMRI and microUS were observed in 71% of the patients. The accordance between microUS and mpMRI was more frequent than a lack of accordance (P <⁠0.01). There was no difference in the frequency of PCa detection between the 2 groups (P <⁠0.6). There was no difference in the frequency of PCa detection in the group with concordant microUS and mpMRI findings, as compared to the discordant group of patients (P <⁠0.6). In the group of 243 individuals with negative microUS results, 87 (35.8%) underwent mpMRI. Result concordance between negative mpMRI and microUS was 79%.

Conclusion: A positive result from microUS, even when MRI is negative, may indicate a need for prostate biopsy. On the other hand, a negative result from microUS suggests a low likelihood of clinically significant PCa and thus a need for biopsy.