Possibilities of intravenous contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of prostate cancer

Abstract

Aim of the study was to investigate the possibilities of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of the prostate gland in the diagnosis of malignant tumors by analyzing the shapes of the «time – intensity» curves. Material and methods. Sixty six patients with suspected prostate cancer were examined. According to CEUS data, the shapes of «time – intensity» curves were estimated with the selection of 4 types, the results were compared with the histology data. Results. For malignant focal changes in the pancreas, type I time-intensity curve was more often characteristic – a rapid increase in contrast from the first seconds, followed by rapid washout during the study (85 %). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of this feature in the diagnosis of prostate cancer were 85, 89 and 86 %, respectively. Conclusion. Evaluation of the shape of the curve «time – intensity» during the CEUS of the prostate gland allows for differential diagnosis of focal changes in the prostate gland and determine the area for targeted biopsy.

Keywords

• contrast enhanced ultrasound
• prostate cancer
• time-intensity curve
• curve shape