Encrusted cystitis caused by corynebacterium urealyticum: a case report with novel treatment strategy of intravesical dimethyl sulfoxide

ABSTRACT Encrusted cystitis (EC) was first described as chronic cystitis with mucosal calcification in 1914 (1). It is a very rare chronic inflammatory disease presenting with dysuria, pelvic pain and gross hematuria. Voided urine contains mucus or calcified mucopurulent stone like particles. Urinalysis always reveals alkaline pH. It may be present in healthy individuals with no predisposing etiological factors (2-4). Etiologically, previous urological diseases, immunosuppression, urinary infection with urea splitting bacteria, or urological interventions resulting in bladder mucosa trauma may also be present (5, 6). In the present case report, we describe a novel treatment for EC with intravesical dimethyl sulfoxide.

Encrusted cystitis caused by corynebacterium urealyticum: a case report with novel treatment strategy of intravesical dimethyl sulfoxide.

Encrusted cystitis (EC) was first described as chronic cystitis with mucosal calcification in 1914 (1). It is a very rare chronic inflammatory disease presenting with dysuria, pelvic pain and gross hematuria. Voided urine contains mucus or calcified mucopurulent stone like particles. Urinalysis always reveals alkaline pH. It may be present in healthy individuals with no predisposing etiological factors (2-4). Etiologically, previous urological diseases, immunosuppression, urinary infection with urea splitting bacteria, or urological interventions resulting in bladder mucosa trauma may also be present (5, 6). In the present case report, we describe a novel treatment for EC with intravesical dimethyl sulfoxide.

Prognostic influence of 5 alpha reductase inhibitors in patients with localized prostate cancer under active surveillance.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa) is increased with the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). In the current study, we aimed to investigate the impact of 5- alpha- reductase inhibitors (5-ARI) on pathological progression in patients followed by active surveillance (AS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of 69 patients with localized prostate cancer under AS (PSA ≤15 ng/mL, PSAD ≤0.20, ≤cT2c, Gleason sum ≤3+3, the number of cancer positive cores ≤3) were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were followed-up with quarterly PSA testing and semiannual digital rectal examination during the first 2 years, and semiannual PSA testing thereafter. Repeat biopsies were done annually and whenever indicated by clinical findings. Pathological progression was defined as increasing Gleason grade, number of cancer-positive cores, and/or increasing percentage of cancer in any core. RESULTS: Patients using (29/69: 42%) and not using (40/69: 58%) 5-ARI were followed for a median of 39 (IQR: 23-45) and 23.5 (IQR: 17-37.5) months, respectively. Pathological progression was observed in 32% (22/69) of the patients at a median of 25 (IQR: 18-39) months. Pathological progression was observed in 34.5% (10/29) and 30% (12/40) of the patients using and not using 5-ARI, respectively (Log-rank p=0.4151). Definitive treatment was done in 31% (9/29) and 47.5% (19/40) of the patients using and not using 5-ARI, respectively. Patients who did not use 5-ARI received definitive treatment earlier than 5-ARI users (Log-rank p=0.0342). On multivariate analysis, more than 2 cancer-positive cores (HR: 11.62) and age (HR: 0.94) were independently associated with pathological progression (p<0.05), rather than 5-ARI use (p=0.148). CONCLUSION: More than 2 cancer- positive cores at the initial biopsy was the strongest covariate associated with pathological progression; these patients should not be offered AS. There was no impact of 5-ARI use on pathological progression in AS.

An evaluation of the protective effect of esomeprazole in an experimental model of renal ischemia-reperfusion.

PURPOSE: The ischemia and subsequent reperfusion (IR) which occurs in partial nephrectomy used in the treatment of renal tumors causes loss of parenchyma in the damaged kidney. The aim of this study is to evaluate, both biochemically and histologically, the efficacy of esomeprazole in an ischemia-reperfusion model in rat kidneys. METHODS: The rats were randomized into three groups of seven animals each, referred to as the sham, control, and PPI groups. In the sham group, only a laparotomy was performed. In the control group, following laparotomy the left renal artery was dissected and tied for 30-min ischemia. In the PPI group, a vascular route to the tail vein was opened, and 10 mg/kg esomeprazole was administered. After 1 h, the same procedures described for the control group were performed. All the animals were killed 24 h after the procedure. Biochemical analyses were applied for evaluation of oxidant and antioxidant agents in the blood and left kidney of each subject (oxidative markers: malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase; antioxidant marker: superoxide dismutase). In the histological examination of the kidney tissues stained with hematoxylin-eosin, the TUNEL method was applied in the evaluation of apoptosis. RESULTS: No statistically significant biochemical difference was determined in the blood and tissue samples. In the histological and apoptosis evaluations, a statistically significant difference was determined between the sham, control, and PPI groups. The median (IQR) values of the TUNEL-positive cells were counted as 1.50 (4) in the sham group, 11.50 (12) in the control group, and 6.00 (9) in the PPI group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A protective effect of esomeprazole was confirmed in renal ischemia-reperfusion damage created in an experimental rat model.

Does using alprazolam during outpatient flexible cystoscopy decrease anxiety and pain?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of pre-operative alprazolam medication on anxiety and pain in flexible cystoscopy for bladder cancer follow-up. METHODS: A total of 86 male patients who had flexible cystoscopy for bladder cancer follow-up at 6th and 9th months were included in the study. A visual analog scale (VAS) pain score and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used. The 6th (VAS-1)and 9th (VAS-2) month pain scores and 6th month STAI score (STAI-1) and, 9th month STAI score before (STAI-2a) and after alprazolam (0.5 mg) intake (STAI-2b) were compared. RESULTS: The mean age was 66.49±12.45 years. Patients were grouped by age≤65 (Group-1) and age≥66 (Group-2). Mean VAS score for VAS-1 and VAS-2 were 2.66±0.96 and 2.44±1.05, respectively (p=0.007). The mean VAS-1 and VAS-2 scores in Group 1 were 3.0±1.05 and 2.73±1.18, respectively (p=0.009). The mean VAS-1 and VAS-2 scores in Group 2 were 2.36±0.77 and 2.17±0.86 respectively (p=0.031). The differences between mean anxiety scores were all statistically significant. All STAI (1, 2a, and 2b) and VAS (1 and 2) scores in Group-1 were statistically significantly higher than Group-2. Increasing STAI score is associated with a statistically significant increase in the VAS scores in the 0.50 and 0.75 quantiles (p=0.021 and p=0.039, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Using alprazolam before flexible cystoscopy reduces both anxiety (STAI-1 vs STAI-2b) and pain (VAS-1 vs VAS-2). Previous cystoscopy experience reduces anxiety (STAI-2a vs. STAI-2b). Elderly patients have less anxiety and pain scores than younger patients in flexible cystoscopy.

Cisplatin and bleomycin-induced acute peripheral-vascular stenosis in patient with testicular cancer.

After cisplatin and bleomycin-containing chemotherapy (CTx) for testicular cancer, part of the patients may develop acute or long-term cardiovascular toxicity. In the present case, we reported that a 58-year-old male patient presenting with testicular tumors who developed acute peripheral arterial disease during combination CTx with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin. Superficial femoral artery occlusion not responded to structure thrombolytic and anticoagulators treatment. Left lower extremity was amputated below knee. In patients with high risk of cardiovascular disease, prophylactic anticoagulation may be recommended. The risk of causing factors of thromboembolism in patients with testicular cancer under cisplatin and bleomycin-containing CTx should be evaluated.

Internal urethrotomy versus plasmakinetic energy for surgical treatment of urethral stricture.

PURPOSE: we aimed to compare the longterm outcome of surgical treatment of urethral stricture with the internal urethrotomy and plasmakinetic energy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 60 patients, who have been operated due to urethral stricture were enrolled in our clinic. None of the patients had a medical history of urethral stricture. The urethral strictures were diagnosed by clinical history, uroflowmetry, ultrasonography and urethrography. The patients were divided two groups. Group 1 consisted of 30 patients treated with plasmakinetic urethrotomy and group 2 comprised 30 men treated with cold knife urethrotomy. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between two groups in terms of patient age, maximum flow rate (Qmax) and quality of life score (Qol) value. A statistical difference between the two groups was observed when we compared the 3rd-month uroflowmetry results. Group 1 patients had a mean postoperative Qmax value of 16,1 ± 2,3 ml/s, whereas group 2 had a mean postoperative Qmax value of 15,1 ± 2,2 ml/s (p < 0.05). In the cold knife group, 3 of 11 (27,7%) recurrences appeared within the first 3 months, whereas in the plasmakinetic group zero recurrences appeared within the first 3 months in our study. The urethral stricture recurrence rate up to the 12 month period was statistically significant for group 1 (n = 7, 23%) compared with group 2 (n = 11, 37%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We believe that plasmakinetic surgery is better method than the cold knife technique for the treatment of urethral stricture.

Prostate volume predicts high grade prostate cancer both in digital rectal examination negative (ct1c) and positive (≥ct2) patients.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to assess the relationship between prostate volume (PV) and high grade prostate carcinoma (HGPCa) in patients with benign and suspicious digital rectal examination (DRE) in our prostate biopsy cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2009-2012, 759 consecutive initial transrectal systematic 12 cores prostate biopsies were included. PVs were calculated with transrectal ultrasound. Only prostate adenocarcinomas (PCa) were included into the study. For standardization, patients with missing data, and who have been exposed to any form of hormonal or radiation therapy were excluded. Patients were categorized with DRE (negative or positive) and Gleason sum [<7: low grade PCa(LGPCa), ≥7: HGPCa]. RESULTS: Median PV was significantly lower in patients with HGPCa. There was a significantly increased risk of HGPCa with PV according to all groups in univariate logistic regression (LR). The significant relationship continued in multivariate LR with PSA and age. From the ROC curve analyses, again a significantly statistical concordance was found between the detection of HGPCa and PV (AUC:0.63, p<0.001), as well as between HGPCa and tPSA (AUC:0.73, p<0.001). tPSA and PV were also significantly concordant with HGPCa both in DRE negative and positive patients. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant relationship between HGPCa and decreasing PV. The continued significant relationship both in DRE negative and positive patients reinforces this relation.

Prostate volume predicts high grade prostate cancer both in digital rectal examination negative (ct1c) and positive (≥ct2) patients

Introduction We aimed to assess the relationship between prostate volume (PV) and high grade prostate carcinoma (HGPCa) in patients with benign and suspicious digital rectal examination (DRE) in our prostate biopsy cohort. Materials and methods Between 2009-2012, 759 consecutive initial transrectal systematic 12 cores prostate biopsies were included. PVs were calculated with transrectal ultrasound. Only prostate adenocarcinomas (PCa) were included into the study. For standardization, patients with missing data, and who have been exposed to any form of hormonal or radiation therapy were excluded. Patients were categorized with DRE (negative or positive) and Gleason sum [<7: low grade PCa(LGPCa), ≥7: HGPCa]. Results Median PV was significantly lower in patients with HGPCa. There was a significantly increased risk of HGPCa with PV according to all groups in univariate logistic regression (LR). The significant relationship continued in multivariate LR with PSA and age. We found a PV cut-off value of 47.9cc for HGPCa. HGPCa was significantly higher in <47.9 volume, both in DRE positive and negative patients and in the whole cohort, although LGPCa did not differ significantly. Conclusions There is a significant relationship between HGPCa and decreasing PV. The continued significant relationship both in DRE negative and positive patients reinforces this relation. .

The role of empiric antibiotic treatment in preventing unnecessary prostate biopsies in asymptomatic patients with PSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/ml.

To evaluate exclusion of prostate cancer (PCa) by using empiric antibiotic treatment for patients with total prostate specific antigen (PSA) between 4-10 ng/ml. A hundred asymptomatic men with a PSA between 4-10 ng/ml and normal digital rectal examination (DRE) were enrolled in this randomized prospective study. The treatment group (n=50) was given 400 mg of ofloxacin daily for 4 weeks, whereas the control group (n=50) was followed without any treatment. At the end of the four weeks, repeat PSA were measured and all patients underwent transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy, regardless of the repeat PSA levels. Totally 22 patients (22%) had prostate cancer (9 in treatment group and 13 in control group). A significant PSA decrease was observed in the treatment group at repeat PSA measurements (p=0.001). The PSA drop was also significantly more in patients without PCa than with PCa (p=0.028). In patients whose repeat PSA after antibiotic treatment decreased below 4 ng/ml, 2 times as many patients (16.6%) had PCa in the control group when compared with the treatment group (8.3%). On the other hand, in patients whose repeat PSA remained above 4 ng/ml, PCa was detected in 27.3% of the patients in the control group and 21% in the treatment group. Empirical antibiotic treatment in asymptomatic patients with a PSA level 4-10 ng/ml and a normal DRE may be used to select prostate biopsy candidates. Studies with higher number of patients may result in more powerful associations with narrower confidence intervals for increased confidence.

The role of the bipolar plasmakinetic TURP over 100 g prostate in the elderly patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Bipolar plasma kinetic (BP) transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) has been proved to be a safe and effective treatment for benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). However, the role of bipolar TURP on large prostates over 100 g compared with open suprapubic prostatectomy (SP) in elderly patients (>65 years) has not ever been studied before. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients' medical records between 2007 and 2012 was performed. A total of 102 patients who underwent SP (n = 44) or BP-TURP [Gyrus Plasma Kinetic™ (Gyrus ACMI, USA)] (n = 58) for obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPE were included in this retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were age ≥65 years, prostate volume ≥100 g, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥18, and peak urinary flow rate (PFR) ≤15 ml/s. Exclusion criteria were urethral stricture, known history of neurogenic bladder due to neural disorders, previous prostate and/or urethral surgery, bladder stone, bladder cancer, and known prostate cancer. Operation time, hospitalization, and catheter removal times were noted. Patients were re-evaluated at postoperative 3rd and 12th months. Evaluated parameters were IPSS, quality of life (QoL), simplified International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), PFR, post-voiding residual urinary volume (PVR). Statistical significance was set at 0.05 and all tests were two-tailed. RESULTS: Preoperative IPSS, PVR, IIEF-5, QoL, and prostate volume were not statistically significantly different between two groups except for PFR. Mean follow-up for BP-TURP and SP groups were 15.0 ± 5.8 (R: 11-38), 22.1 ± 11.2 (R: 11-59) months, respectively (p < 0.001). When compared with SP, mean catheter removal time (p < 0.001) and median hospitalization time (p < 0.001) were significantly shorter in BP-TURP group. However, mean operative time was significantly (p < 0.001) longer than SP group and also median resected material weight was significantly lower in the BP-TURP group (p < 0.001). IPSS, QoL, PFR, PVR, and IIEF-5 scores at postoperative 3rd and 12th month were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). Thirty-three patients had perioperative complications according to the modified Clavien-Dindo system. Thirteen patients (22.4 %) in BP-TURP group and 20 patients (45.4 %) in SP group had complications. In 12th month follow-up visit, four patients presented with urethral stricture, three patients (5.1 %) were in BP-TURP group, and one patient (2.3 %) in SP group (p = 0.455). All strictures were treated with internal urethrotomy. CONCLUSIONS: BP-TURP is a safe and highly effective treatment modality for BPE in the elderly patients with prostate glands over 100 g. Clinical efficacy and postoperative 12th month's results were similar to SP. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed in order to confirm our findings.

Impact of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine on disease recurrence in men exposed to HPV Infection: a randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and is the cause of several different diseases in men and women. Although little is known about HPV infection in men, they are also in the risk group of HPV infection and play an important role in transmitting the virus to women. AIM: To define the efficacy of the HPV vaccine through cross-immunization and its role in clearance of HPV infection, and to assess infection-associated factors in men. METHODS: This prospective randomized clinical study enrolled 171 evaluable men with genital warts between June 2009 and October 2013. After the initial treatment intervention, 91 patients were randomly assigned to receive HPV vaccine in three doses. Eighty patients were in the control (unvaccinated) group. One hundred-eleven men were single and 60 men were married. Patients who had previous treatment for pre-existing warts and medical disorders that needed chronic treatment or immunosuppression were not included in the randomization. Also 29 men with follow-up less than 12 months and incomplete vaccination were not included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The patients were assessed regarding age, condom use, marital status, number of visible genital warts, and smoking status. Post-treatment follow-up was monthly up to 12th month. RESULTS: Mean age was 34 ± 7.6. One hundred fifteen patients were smokers. For the recurrence of warts, age, smoking, vaccination status were insignificant and marital status was significant in the univariable analysis; only marital status preserved significance (HR: 2.0 CI:1.29-3.12 P = 0.002) in the multivariable analysis including vaccination status, marital status, and smoking. CONCLUSION: Among the investigated factors vaccination status was not but marital status significantly influenced wart recurrence. Married men had more recurrences in our population. Larger multicenter randomized clinical trials are lacking and seriously required to investigate the therapeutic effect of current quadrivalent HPV vaccine in genital warts.

Angioleiomyoma of the scrotal wall.

Angioleiomyoma of the scrotum is a rare benign lesion which can mimic a paratesticular tumor. Any solid mass within the scrotum is considered malignant until proven otherwise. Here, we present a case of an angioleiomyoma of the scrotum in a 33-year-old male who presented with painful scrotal mass. Scrotal ultrasonography demonstrated a solid mass in the scrotum, and surgical excision was carried out. Pathologic examination revealed that the tumor was angioleiomyoma.