Prostate MRI

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a medical imaging technique that allows doctors to view detailed information on tissue and blood patterns found in the human body. Through the utilization of high-powered magnets a MRI machine can cause tissues in the body, include the prostate, to assume different appearances, thus revealing abnormal tissue.

Due to the use of high-powered magnets it is imperative for Prostate MRI patients to remove all metal from their pockets and clothing. If you have medical implants please inform your medical team. A Prostate MRI procedure is not appropriate for patients with metal implants, such as an aneurysm clip in the brain. There is no evidence being exposed to magnetic fields of strength found in MRI machines used in our Prostate MRI Program present a medical hazard to patients without metallic implants.

Prostate MRI has been utilized since the early 1990's. However, due to a range of factors, including the lack of understanding of prostate disease and different imaging protocols, the accuracy in the 1990's was often poor and it fell out of favor.

What has changed with Prostate MRI?

Our dedicated Prostate MRI Program, using a multi-parametric approach to imaging, has shown increased sensitivity and specificity for cancer detection (around 85 - 90 percent).

  • These improved results are based by critical analysis of four (4) specific imaging sequences.
  • These include high anatomic quality T-2 weighted imaging and three functional sequences.

The functional sequences include:

  • DWI (diffusion weighted imaging) analyzes the restriction of movement of water molecules seen with prostate cancer. DWI is quite accurate and correlates when positive to a specific Gleason Score upon a positive biopsy result.
  • DCE (dynamic contrast enhancement), where a small amount of IV agent is injected to evaluate increased and abnormal blood vessels seen with prostate cancer. These DCE images are obtained rapidly and analyzed with computer generated curves which look for increased flow and rapid washout.
  • Images are obtained rapidly, 3 seconds per acquisition and reviewed to generate time function curves.

Cancers, including prostate cancer, tend to have a rapid period of enhancement of this medicine. They also have a rapid period of washout. MRI spectroscopy can also be performed as a final functional exam. MRI spectroscopy looks for the change in the chemical components seen with prostate cancer, with a decrease in the normal citrate and an increase in choline molecules.