In the last 5 years, the multiparametric approach has been investigated as the method for the MRI of prostate cancer.
In multiparametric MRI of the prostate, at least two functional MRI techniques, such as diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, are combined with conventional MRI, such as T2 -weighted imaging. DW-MRI has the ability to qualitatively and quantitatively represent the diffusion of water molecules by the apparent diffusion coefficient, which indirectly reflects tissue cellularity. DW-MRI is characterized by a short acquisition time without the administration of contrast medium. Thus, DW-MRI has the potential to become established as a noninvasive diagnostic method for tumor detection and localization, tumor aggressiveness, local staging and local recurrence after various therapies. Accordingly, radiologists should recognize the principles of DW-MRI, the methods of image acquisition and the pitfalls of image interpretation.
Written by:
Tamada T, Sone T, Jo Y, Yamamoto A, Ito K. Are you the author?
Department of Radiology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki City, Okayama, Japan.
Reference: NMR Biomed. 2013 May 27. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1002/nbm.2956
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23712781
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