[Current role of echography, of PSA and of PSAD in the diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma].

The Authors report their experience in the diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma by means of DRE, TRUS and PSA. They emphasize the improvement of diagnosis given by these exams when used in association, despite a high rate of false positives. In the years 92-93, 182 patients underwent ecoguided prostatic biopsy after DRE and PSA evaluation. PSA density value was calculated as proposed by Benson (PSAD = PSA/V); this parameter should screen between PSA elevation due to BPH and those due to prostatic carcinoma. After their experience, even if limited, they conclude that TRUS should not be used as a "first-line test" but only in patients with abnormal findings in DRE and/or PSA. PSAD may be useful to improve specificity of PSA even if a precise cut-off can not be determined.