Transrectal fine-needle aspiration and truecut needle biopsy of the prostate: a blinded comparison of accuracy

Transrectal needle aspiration biopsy and core biopsy of the prostate were performed simultaneously on 88 men with prostatic nodules. Cytologic and histologic assessments were made in a blinded, independent fashion, and the results were compared. All patients with positive findings on aspiration also had positive findings on core biopsy, for a positive predictive value for aspiration of 100%. However, five negative and six "insufficient" results obtained by aspiration were positive on core biopsy, for a negative predictive value for aspiration of 88%. This experience support the use of needle aspiration as an initial diagnostic maneuver in the assessment of prostatic nodules.