Comparison between digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen and transrectal ultrasound in symptomatic...

In this study we proposed to verify sensitivity and specificity of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), digital rectal examination (DRE) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in patients who referred at our institution for prostatic complaints. 141 patients, ages ranging between 55 and 86 years (mean 67.5), underwent DRE, blood PSA, TRUS and ultrasonically guided biopsy of the prostate. The comparison of the results obtained with the different diagnostic tools allowed us to draw a diagnostic algorithm for prostate cancer in symptomatic patients.