Detrusor resistive index evaluated by doppler ultrasonography as a potential indicator of bladder outlet obstruction

Enzyme-induced hypoxia leads to inflammation in urothelial cells in vitro

PURPOSE

To determine the contributions of different durations of hypoxia to NLRP3 inflammasome activation in urothelial cells and how ischemic changes in bladder tissues is an important chemical que that leads to pathological changes seen in BOO.

METHODS

A rat urothelial cell line (MYP3) was exposed to either a short duration (2 h) or long duration (6 h) of enzyme-induced hypoxia. Following exposure to a short duration of hypoxia, NO and ATP concentrations were measured from supernatant media and caspase-1 levels were measured from cell lysates. In a separate experiment, cells were fixed following hypoxia exposure and immunostained for HIF-1α stabilization.

RESULTS

Although short exposure of low oxygen conditions resulted in a hypoxic response in MYP3 cells, as indicated by HIF-1α stabilization and increased NO activity, NLRP3 inflammasome activation was not observed as caspase-1 activity remained unchanged. However, exposure of MYP3 cells to a longer duration of hypoxia resulted in an increase in intracellular caspase-1 activity. Furthermore, treatment with antioxidant (GSH) or TXNIP inhibitor (verapamil) attenuated the hypoxia-induced increase in caspase-1 levels indicating that hypoxia primarily drives inflammation through a ROS-mediated TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that hypoxia induced bladder damage requires a duration that is more likely related to elevated storage pressures/hypoxia, seen in later stages of BOO, as compared to shorter duration pressure elevation/hypoxia that is encountered in normal micturition cycles or early in the BOO pathology where storage pressures are still normal.

The diagnostic value of non-invasive methods for diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: A meta-analysis

Purpose

We conducted the first meta-analysis to determine the diagnostic value of non-invasive methods for diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Methods

We searched a range of databases for relevant publications up to June 2022, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Retrieved studies were then reviewed for eligibility and data were extracted. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. We then performed a formal meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of various non-invasive methods for diagnosing BOO in men.

Results

We identified 51 eligible studies including 7,897 patients for meta-analysis. The majority of the studies had a low overall RoB. Detrusor wall thickness (DWT) (pooled sensitivity (SSY): 71%; specificity (SPY): 88%; diagnostic odds ratio (DOR): 17.15; area under curve (AUC) 0.87) and the penile cuff test (PCT) (pooled SSY: 87%; SPY: 78%; DOR: 23.54; AUC: 0.88) showed high accuracy for diagnosing BOO. Furthermore, data suggested that DWT had the highest pooled SPY (0.89), DOR (32.58), and AUC (0.90), when using 2 mm as the cut-off.

Conclusion

Of the non-invasive tests tested, DWT and PCT had the highest levels of diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing BOO in men with LUTS. DWT, with a 2 mm cut-off, had the highest level of accuracy. These two methods represent good options as non-invasive tools for evaluating BOO in males.

What developments are needed to achieve less-invasive urodynamics? ICI-RS 2019

AIMS

To assess the state of technologies for urodynamics that are less invasive than standard cystometry and pressure-flow studies and to suggest areas needing research to improve this.

METHODS

A summary of a Think Tank debate held at the 2019 meeting of the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society is provided, with subsequent analysis by the authors. Less-invasive techniques were summarized, classified by method, and possible developments considered. Discussions and recommendations were summarized by the co-chairs and edited into the form of this paper by all authors.

RESULTS

There is a full spectrum of technologies available for less-invasive assessment, ranging from simple uroflowmetry through imaging techniques to emerging complex technologies. Less-invasive diagnostics will not necessarily need to replace diagnosis by, or even provide the same level of diagnostic accuracy as, invasive urodynamics. Rather than aiming for a technique that is merely less invasive, the priority is to develop methods that are either as accurate as current invasive methods, or spare patients from the necessity of invasive methods by improving early triaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Technologies offering less-invasive urodynamic measurement of specific elements of function can be potentially beneficial. Less-invasive techniques may sometimes be useful as an adjunct to invasive urodynamics. The potential for current less-invasive tests to completely replace invasive urodynamic testing is considered, however, to be low. Less-invasive techniques must, therefore, be tested as screening/triaging tools, with the aim to spare some patients from invasive urodynamics early in the treatment pathway.

Activation of Prejunctional P2x2/3 Heterotrimers by ATP Enhances the Cholinergic Tone in Obstructed Human Urinary Bladders

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of ATP in cholinergic neurotransmission in the urinary bladder of control men and of patients obstructed as a result of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Human detrusor samples were collected from 41 patients who submitted to transvesical prostatectomy resulting from BPH and 26 male organ donors. The release of [³H]acetylcholine ([³H]ACh) was evoked by electrical field stimulation (10 Hz, 200 pulses) in urothelium-denuded detrusor strips. Myographic recordings were performed to test detrusor strip sensitivity to ACh and ATP. Nerve-evoked [³H]ACh release was 1.5-fold higher in detrusor strips from BPH patients compared with controls. This difference was abolished after desensitization of ionotropic P2X1-3 receptors with an ATP analog, α,β-methylene ATP (30 μM, applied for 15 minutes). TNP-ATP (10 nM, a preferential P2X2/3 antagonist) and A317491 (100 nM, a selective P2X3 antagonist) were about equipotent in decreasing nerve-evoked [³H]ACh release in control detrusor strips, but the selective P2X1 receptor antagonist NF023 (3 μM) was devoid of effect. The inhibitory effect of TNP-ATP (10 nM) increased from 27% ± 9% to 43% ± 6% in detrusor strips of BPH patients, but the effect of A317491 (100 nM) [³H]ACh release unaltered (20% ± 2% vs. 24% ± 4%). The amplitude of ACh (0.1-100 μM)-induced myographic recordings decreased, whereas sensitivity to ATP (0.01-3 mM) increased in detrusor strips from BPH patients. Besides the well characterized P2X1 receptor-mediated contractile activity of ATP in pathologic human bladders, we show here for the first time that cholinergic hyperactivity in the detrusor of BPH patients is facilitated by activation of ATP-sensitive P2X2/3 heterotrimers. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Bladder outlet obstruction often leads to detrusor overactivity and reduced bladder compliance in parallel to atropine-resistant increased purinergic tone. Our data show that P2X1 purinoceptors are overexpressed in the detrusor of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Besides the P2X1 receptor-mediated detrusor contractions, ATP favors nerve-evoked acetylcholine release via the activation of prejunctional P2X2/3 excitatory receptors in these patients Thus, our hypothesis is that manipulation of the purinergic tone may be therapeutically useful to counteract cholinergic overstimulation in obstructed patients.

New Diagnostics for Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is a common constellation of symptoms that affect the aging male population with an astonishing prevalence. New technology and new uses of established technology are being used to help further evaluate LUTS in the male population and help guide treatment options. This review focuses on the developments and future directions in diagnostic modalities for evaluation of male LUTS, focusing on evaluation of both the filling and voiding phases of micturition.

RECENT FINDINGS

New techniques in evaluating the voiding phase include penile cuff test, external pressure sensing condom catheter, ultrasound measurement of detrusor wall thickness, ultrasound measurement of intravesical prostatic protrusion, doppler ultrasound and NIRS technology. Evaluation of the filling phase is still undergoing much development and requires additional validation studies. The techniques undergoing evaluation include sensation meters during UDS, assessing bladder micromotion and wall rhythm, assessing detrusor wall biomechanics, ultrasound measurement of detrusor wall thickness, pelvic doppler ultrasound, as well as functional brain imaging including fNIRS and fMRI.

SUMMARY

The development of novel, non-invasive, diagnostic tools have the potential for better evaluation of LUTS with earlier and enhanced treatments. This will likely improve the quality of life for men with LUTS.

Progressive bladder remodeling due to bladder outlet obstruction: a systematic review of morphological and molecular evidences in humans

BACKGROUND

Bladder outlet obstruction is a common urological condition. We aimed to summarize available evidences about bladder outlet obstruction-induced molecular and morphological alterations occurring in human bladder.

METHODS

We performed a literature search up to December 2017 including clinical and preclinical basic research studies on humans. The following search terms were combined: angiogenesis, apoptosis, bladder outlet obstruction, collagen, electron microscopy, extracellular matrix, fibrosis, hypoxia, histology, inflammation, innervation, ischemia, pressure, proliferation, remodeling, suburothelium, smooth muscle cells, stretch, urothelium.

RESULTS

We identified 36 relevant studies. A three-stages model of bladder wall remodeling can be hypothesized involving an initial hypertrophy phase, a subsequent compensation phase and a later decompensation. Histological and molecular alterations occur in the following compartments: urothelium, suburothelium, detrusor smooth muscle cells, detrusor extracellular matrix, nerves. Cyclic stretch, increased hydrostatic and cyclic hydrodynamic pressure and hypoxia are stimuli capable of modulating multiple signaling pathways involved in this remodeling process.

CONCLUSIONS

Bladder outlet obstruction leads to progressive bladder tissue remodeling in humans. Multiple signaling pathways are involved.

Clinical and urodynamic characteristics of underactive bladder: Data analysis of 1726 cases from a single center

There have no universally accepted criteria and have been established for classification of underactive bladder (UAB) at present. Thus, the study described the comprehensive clinical and urodynamic characteristics of UAB in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.A total of 1726 patients (1259 men and 467 women; 6-88 years old) who were admitted to our center with a diagnosis of UAB were included in this retrospective study. It was due to the type of rehabilitation hospital, so higher percentage of neurological patients were included. The demographics, clinical characteristics, and urodynamic recordings were reviewed. The clinical characteristics and urodynamic findings of UAB were further classified.For the etiologic analysis, UAB with aging and without clear causes accounted for 11.5% of cases (199/1726), UAB with bladder outflow obstruction accounted for 2.6% (45/1726), and UAB acting on the nerve pathway of the voiding reflex accounted for 84.6% (1460/1726). There were a number of cases (1.3% [22/1726]) which had >2 factors assigned. For studies involving urodynamic findings and clinical symptoms, the percentage of patients with detrusor hyperreflexia with impaired contractility (DHIC), detrusor underactivity (DU), and acontractile detrusor (AcD) was 0.7%, 5.6%, and 93.7%, respectively.UAB can be classified into 4 types based on possible etiologic mechanisms (idiopathic, myogenic, neurogenic, and integrative). Based on urodynamic findings and symptoms, UAB can be classified into 3 types (DU, AcD, and DHIC). The classification of UAB can provide a reasonable basis for the future research.

Systematic Review of the Performance of Noninvasive Tests in Diagnosing Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

CONTEXT

Several noninvasive tests have been developed for diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in men to avoid the burden and morbidity associated with invasive urodynamics. The diagnostic accuracy of these tests, however, remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review available evidence regarding the diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive tests in diagnosing BOO in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) using a pressure-flow study as the reference standard.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central, Google Scholar, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal databases were searched up to May 18, 2016. All studies reporting diagnostic accuracy for noninvasive tests for BOO or detrusor underactivity in men with LUTS compared to pressure-flow studies were included. Two reviewers independently screened all articles, searched the reference lists of retrieved articles, and performed the data extraction. The quality of evidence and risk of bias were assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The search yielded 2774 potentially relevant reports. After screening titles and abstracts, 53 reports were retrieved for full-text screening, of which 42 (recruiting a total of 4444 patients) were eligible. Overall, the results were predominantly based on findings from nonrandomised experimental studies and, within the limits of such study designs, the quality of evidence was typically moderate across the literature. Differences in noninvasive test threshold values and variations in the urodynamic definition of BOO between studies limited the comparability of the data. Detrusor wall thickness (median sensitivity 82%, specificity 92%), near-infrared spectroscopy (median sensitivity 85%, specificity 87%), and the penile cuff test (median sensitivity 88%, specificity 75%) were all found to have high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing BOO. Uroflowmetry with a maximum flow rate of <10ml/s was reported to have lower median sensitivity and specificity of 68% and 70%, respectively. Intravesical prostatic protrusion of >10mm was reported to have similar diagnostic accuracy, with median sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 75%.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the literature, a number of noninvasive tests have high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing BOO in men. However, although the majority of studies have a low overall risk of bias, the available evidence is limited by heterogeneity. While several tests have shown promising results regarding noninvasive assessment of BOO, invasive urodynamics remain the gold standard.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Urodynamics is an accurate but potentially uncomfortable test for patients in diagnosing bladder problems such as obstruction. We performed a thorough and comprehensive review of the literature to determine if there were less uncomfortable but equally effective alternatives to urodynamics for diagnosing bladder problems. We found that some simple tests appear to be promising, although they are not as accurate. Further research is needed before these tests are routinely used in place of urodynamics.

Imaging assessments of lower urinary tract dysfunctions: Future steps

Urodynamic tests are the standard diagnostic method for lower urinary tract dysfunctions (LUTD). However, these tests are invasive. The current review describes the noninvasive imaging techniques that have been used to monitor LUTD. The main imaging technologies that have been applied in diagnosing LUTD were 2D ultrasonography, Doppler ultrasonography, and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Ultrasonographic parameters, such as bladder wall thickness (BWT), detrusor wall thickness (DWT), and ultrasound-estimated bladder weight (UEBW), have been proposed as surrogates for bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) or detrusor overactivity (DO). Few studies have reported diagnostic cut-offs in diagnosing BOO or DO; thus, there is still a need to standardize the measurement method. NIRS can detect the hemodynamic changes related to DO and BOO in real-time, which could be advantageous in clinical practice, but the liability of NIRS to motion artefacts is a limitation. Bladder strain imaging in real-time using 2D ultrasound enables noninvasive estimation of the dynamic changes in the bladder wall during voiding. Many imaging techniques have been used to monitor the urinary bladder during the storage and voiding phases of the micturition cycle. These techniques were either static [i.e., measuring fixed parameters, such as BWT, DWT, UEBW, and intravesical prostatic protrusion (IVPP)] or dynamic (monitoring the structural and hemodynamic changes in the bladder wall in real-time). These techniques are currently being developed and standardized for potential use in diagnosing LUTD in clinical practice.

Effects of medical therapy or surgery on prostatic and bladder resistive indices in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

INTRODUCTION

The effects of medical therapy or surgery on bladder and prostatic resistive indices (RIs) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) were evaluated in the present study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 124 consecutive LUTS/BPH patients who were candidates for medical therapy (alfuzosin 10 mg once daily, n=66) or surgery (transurethral prostatectomy (TUR-P), n=58) were prospectively included. Baseline assessment of patients was performed with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and prostatic and bladder RIs measured using power Doppler imaging (PDI). All patients were re-evaluated 3 months after treatment measuring the same parameters.

RESULTS

Following medical therapy, mean IPSS (17.2±5.1 vs. 8.3±5.3, p=0.0001), postvoiding residual (PVR) urine (80.0±80.5 vs. 40.3±38.6, p=0.0001), and prostatic RI (0.73±0.1 vs. 0.70±0.1, p=0.0001) were decreased, Qmax (13.7±4.2 vs. 16.9±5.9, p=0.0001) was increased, and bladder RI remained unchanged (0.70±0.1 vs. 0.70±0.1, p=0.68). Mean IPSS (25.3±5.6 vs. 6.0±4.5, p=0.0001), PVR urine volume (134.5±115.5 vs. 35.7±25.9, p=0.0001), and prostatic (0.78±0.1 vs. 0.67±0.04, p=0.0001) and bladder RIs (0.72±0.1 vs. 0.64±0.04, p=0.005) were decreased, and Qmax (8.0±4.5 vs. 17.2±8.2, p=0.0001) was increased after TUR-P.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that TUR-P decreased both prostatic and bladder RIs, while α-blocker therapy did not change bladder RI in the early posttreatment period in LUTS/BPH patients.

Near-infrared spectroscopy of the urinary bladder during voiding in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a preliminary study

Objectives. To determine the difference in response of NIRS of the bladder during voiding between men with and without BOO.LUTS. Methods. A prospective, case series, study included 36 men with LUTS. Patients completed the IPSS questionnaire; prostate volumes were measured sonographically. Patients underwent pressure flow study (PFS) with simultaneous NIRS of the bladder. Amplitudes of HHb, O₂Hb, and Hb_sum were calculated at Q_max, relative to baseline. Patients were urodynamically classified as obstructed and unobstructed. Recursive partition analysis (RPA) was performed to reclassify patients using NIRS amplitudes, followed by combined data of NIRS amplitudes, prostate volume, IPSS, and Q_max to determine the best predictor(s) of BOO. Results. PFS classified 28 patients as obstructed and 8 as unobstructed. The median HHb amplitude was significantly higher in obstructed group. RPA of NIRS amplitudes correctly reclassified 89% of patients [AUC: 0.91]. RPA of the combined IPSS, prostate volume, PVR, and Q_max correctly reclassified 72% of patients [AUC: 0.84]. When NIRS amplitudes were added to this combination, RPA revealed a significantly (P < 0.01) higher rate of correct reclassification in 89% of patients with 89.3% sensitivity and 88% specificity for obstruction [AUC: 0.96]. Conclusion. NIRS data can be of diagnostic value for BOO in men with LUTS.

Prevalence and Clinical Features of Detrusor Underactivity among Elderly with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Comparison between Men and Women

PURPOSE

To identify the prevalence and clinical features of detrusor underactivity (DU) in elderly men and women presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed 1,179 patients aged over 65 years who had undergone a urodynamic study for LUTS with no neurological or anatomical conditions. DU was defined as a bladder contractility index <100 and a maximal flow rate (Qmax) ≤12 ml/s combined with a detrusor pressure at Qmax ≤10 cmH(2)O for men and women, respectively.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 40.2% of men and 13.3% of women were classified as having DU (p<0.001). Types of clinical symptoms were not significantly different between patients with and without DU. In men, whereas the prevalence of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) was constant across the age spectrum, the prevalence of DU and detrusor overactivity (DO) increased with age, and 46.5% of men with DU also had DO or BOO. In women, the prevalence of DU also increased with age, and the trend was more remarkable in women aged over 70 years. DU was accompanied by DO or urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (USUI) in 72.6% of the women with DU. Women with DU were found to have lower cystometric capacity and exhibited a greater incidence of reduced compliance than did women without DU.

CONCLUSIONS

DU was a common mechanism underlying LUTS in the elderly population, especially in men. One half of the men and three quarters of the women with DU also had other pathologies such as DO, BOO, or USUI.

Persistent detrusor overactivity after transurethral resection of the prostate is associated with reduced perfusion of the urinary bladder

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate, in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), how often detrusor overactivity (DOA) is persistent after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and if perfusion of the lower urinary tract influences postoperative outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty men with urodynamically confirmed DOA and bladder outlet obstruction due to BPH had a TURP. Before and 1 year after TURP the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) score, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and total prostatic volume (TPV) were evaluated. Also, the lower urinary tract was evaluated using pressure-flow studies and transrectal colour Doppler ultrasonography to assess the vascular resistive index (RI) as a variable of the perfusion of the lower urinary tract.

RESULTS

After TURP the IPSS, QoL score, PSA level and TPV decreased. Cystometric measurements showed that in 15 (30%) patients DOA was persistent after TURP. The mean (sd) maximum urinary flow rate increased from 9.20 (4.03) to 15.98 (4.62) mL/s and postvoiding residual urine volumes decreased from 109.38 (73.71) to 29.24 (45.00) mL. When men with persistent DOA (15 patients; group 1) were compared with those with no DOA after TURP (35; group 2) there was a statistically significantly higher RI of the bladder vessels in group 1, at 0.86 (0.068) than in group 2, at 0.68 ( 0.055) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent DOA in men after TURP seems to be associated with increased vascular resistance of the bladder vessels with subsequent reduced perfusion and hypoxia.

Impaired detrusor contractility in community-dwelling elderly presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of impaired detrusor contractility (IDC) with and without detrusor hyperactivity (DH) among community-dwelling elderly with lower urinary tract symptoms and to identify which patients are at a greater risk of having a hypocontractile detrusor.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients 70 years old or older with storage and/or voiding lower urinary tract symptoms who had undergone urodynamic pressure-flow studies in a urodynamic referral center during a 2-year period.

RESULTS

During the study period, 181 patients (82 men [45%] and 99 women [55%]), aged 70 years or older (mean age 75.7 +/- 4.8), underwent urodynamic studies. IDC was detected in 39 (48%) of the 82 men and in 12 (12%) of the 99 women. Two thirds of the men and one half of the women with IDC also had involuntary detrusor contractions during the filling phase and/or low bladder compliance. The prevalence of IDC/DH-IDC was significantly greater in those with a history of urinary retention and an indwelling urethral catheter.

CONCLUSIONS

Detrusor-impaired contractility is an important pathophysiologic mechanism in older patients with lower urinary tract symptoms, especially in men. Establishing the diagnosis by urodynamic pressure-flow studies is crucial for determining treatment--potentially harmful to this vulnerable population--from objective parameters rather than by empirical decisions.

Noninvasive Methods of Diagnosing Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Men. Part 1: Nonurodynamic Approach

PURPOSE

Many methods have been suggested for diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction, as defined by the gold standard of pressure flow studies. Difficulty arises when comparing completely different methods of diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction. A comprehensive review of the literature of the different methods used to diagnose bladder outlet obstruction by noninvasive means was performed with a view to allow such a comparison.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A MEDLINE search was done of the published literature covering until the end of 2004 on noninvasive methods used to diagnose bladder outlet obstruction. A direct comparison of all different methods was made using the sensitivity and specificity, positive predictive value and likelihood ratio of each test. For many of the techniques these values were calculated from the data presented in the article.

RESULTS

A multitude of methods has been applied to diagnose bladder outlet obstruction. Broadly the methods were divided into nonurodynamic and noninvasive urodynamic methods. Nonurodynamic methods include symptoms, biochemical tests such as prostate specific antigen, ultrasound derived measurements such as post-void residual urine, bladder weight, prostate configuration and size, intravesical prostatic protrusion and the Doppler resistive index. Part 1 of the review explores and discusses the relative merits of the nonurodynamic based methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound derived measures such as bladder wall thickness and bladder weight offer a promising possibility of diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction noninvasively. However, further reproducibility and large accuracy studies with better methodological standards are required before they can replace pressure flow studies.

Vascular damage induced by type 2 diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for benign prostatic hyperplasia

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and arteriosclerosis shown in a model of type 2 diabetes in a trans-sectional population study using contrast-enhanced colour Doppler ultrasound for exact assessment of prostatic blood flow.

METHODS

Contrast-enhanced transrectal colour Doppler ultrasound was performed using a microbubble-based ultrasound enhancer SonoVue for evaluating prostate vascularity (transitional zone [TZ] and peripheral zone [PZ]) in diabetic BPH patients, non-diabetic BPH patients and healthy subjects. Computer-assisted quantification of colour pixel intensity (CPI) was used to objectively evaluate the prostate vascularity. Resistive index measurements were obtained in the TZ and the PZ. Findings were compared between these three groups.

RESULTS

TZ-CPI was significantly lower in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic BPH men (p=0.001), whereas the CPI of the PZ showed no difference between these two groups (p=0.978). TZ-CPI of patients with diabetic and non-diabetic BPH were significantly lower than in controls (p<0.001), but no difference was found between diabetic and healthy patients in the PZ (p=0.022) and borderline significance was seen when comparing patients of the BPH group with the control patients (p=0.019). Resistive index values of the TZ in diabetic patients showed significantly higher values (p<0.001) than the BPH and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The significantly lower CPI and higher resistive index values of the TZ in diabetic patients compared with patients with non-diabetic BPH and healthy subjects indicate considerable vascular damage in the TZ of these patients. Diabetic vascular damage may cause hypoxia and may contribute to the pathogenesis of BPH.