Purpose
Prostatic multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has markedly improved the assessment of men with suspected prostate cancer (PCa). Nevertheless, as mpMRI exhibits a high negative predictive value, a negative MRI may represent a diagnostic dilemma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of positive transperineal saturation biopsy in men who have negative mpMRI and to analyse the factors associated with positive biopsy in this scenario.
Patients and Methods
A retrospective study of men with normal mpMRI and suspicion of PCa who underwent saturation biopsy (≥20 cores) was carried out. A total of 580 patients underwent transperineal MRI/transrectal ultrasound fusion targeted biopsies or saturation prostate biopsies from January 2017 to September 2020. Of them, 73 had a pre-biopsy negative mpMRI (with Prostate Imaging – Reporting and Data System, PI-RADS, ≤2) and were included in this study. Demographics, clinical characteristics, data regarding biopsy results and potential predictive factors of positive saturation biopsy were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for MRI-invisible PCa.
Results
The detection rate of PCa with saturation biopsy in patients with negative MRI was 34/73 (46.58%). Out of 34 MRI-invisible prostate cancers detected, 12 (35.29%) were clinically significant PCa (csPCa) forms. Regarding factors of positive biopsy, in univariate analysis, the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and free:total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ratio were associated with the result of the saturation biopsy. In multivariate analysis, only an unfavourable free:total PSA ratio remained a risk factor (OR 11.03, CI95% 1.93–63.15, p=0.01). Furthermore, multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that prostate volume >50mL significantly predicts the absence of csPCa on saturation biopsy (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01–0.94, p=0.04).
Conclusion
A free:total PSA ratio <20% is a risk factor for MRI-invisible PCa. Saturation biopsy could be considered in patients with suspected PCa, despite having a negative MRI.
Perineal carcinoma of unknown origin is a rare and aggressive disease, so an early diagnosis and adequate treatment are essential to prevent its progression. We report the first series of cases of perineal carcinoma of unknown origin: (I) a 62-year-old male patient being followed up for a urethral stricture treated with periodic dilations with subsequent development of perineal abscesses and perineal carcinoma; (II) a 67-year-old male patient who consults for urinary discomfort associated with a perineal abscess. Recurrence of the abscess in the first month revealed the presence of an underlying perineal carcinoma; (III) a 78-year-old male patient that underwent urethroplasty with graft with subsequent regimen of periodical dilations. Recurrent formation of perianal abscesses revealed the presence of an underlying perineal carcinoma; and (IV) a 78-year-old male patient with history of in situ penile carcinoma treated by glans resurfacing. He consulted for penile pain, and imaging tests revealed a perineal abscess adjacent to the left corpus cavernosum. The core needle biopsy revealed a squamous cell carcinoma. Penile exploration and negative glans biopsy ruled out possible recurrence of penile carcinoma. The form of presentation of the disease has been very similar in all patients, demonstrating the presence of perineal abscess in all cases. Two patients had inguinal lymph node disease at diagnosis. All patients were treated by surgery, and three of them required adjuvant systemic treatment. Surgery combined with systemic treatment is probably the best option if the patient’s conditions allow it.
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