The Value of Elastography in the Detection of Prostate Cancer – Clinical Experience

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) in prostate cancer diagnosis in patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen values and abnormal results on digital rectal examination. This study included 74 patients (mean age 68.3 years) with suspected prostate cancer – prostate-specific antigen>4 ng/mL and abnormal digital rectal examination. All patients scheduled for transrectal ultrasound biopsy of the prostate underwent standard transrectal ultrasonography and SWE.

The reported sensitivity and specificity of SWE in the various studies varied widely, from 43–96% and 33–96%, respectively. This study showed that patients with elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen, abnormal digital rectal examination, and negative SWE may not require a biopsy which could significantly reduce the number of biopsies performed.