Transrectal ultrasound in the diagnosis of prostate cancer: location, echogenicity, histopathology, and staging.

Adenocarcinoma of the prostate produces specific ultrasonic findings that can be used in diagnosis. We have examined 211 patients using transrectal ultrasound in both the sagittal and axial planes. Thirty-three carcinomas were detected, and 31 histologically confirmed; 24 by needle biopsy, six by transurethral resection, one by total prostatectomy, and two by the demonstration of distant metastases. On ultrasound, all of the carcinomas were less echogenic than normal prostate. All appeared to originate in the peripheral zone of the prostate and produced asymmetry of the gland. The majority of carcinomas in this series showed capsular involvement and ten penetrated and extended beyond the prostatic capsule. The results of this series indicate that transrectal ultrasound can be used to detect cancer of the prostate gland. Ultrasound demonstrated the extent of tumor involvement and enabled accurate staging of these cancers.

Neutrophil bipolar shape formation in whole blood. A simple and rapid method for the assessment of neutrophil leukocyte responsiveness.

The described procedure permits assessment of the neutrophil shape change response to formyl-methionyl peptides added directly to EDTA anticoagulated whole blood. Response is monitored by counting the resultant number of "bipolar" neutrophil forms present on stained blood films. The preparation of monolayer blood films with a blood "spinner" facilitates uniform sample analysis. Time- and dose-response relationships for neutrophil bipolar shape formation (BSF) agree with data reported for other neutrophil response measurements. No significant change in leukocyte or platelet counts occurred after the addition of control or stimulatory agents to whole blood, nor did 90 min aging of freshly collected blood samples appear to influence the BSF response. In a study of hospitalized patients, BSF values were generally similar in those patients with normal or elevated leukocyte counts, while significantly decreased BSF was observed in leukopenic patients. A significant rise in BSF was detected as patient absolute neutrophil counts increased from a normal to an elevated range. When compared with a control group, the distribution of BSF response values for patients was significantly different. The simple and rapid measurement of BSF in whole blood might facilitate clinical assessment of neutrophil responsiveness, by eliminating many of the difficulties associated with neutrophil isolation.