The heterogeneity and largely indolent nature of prostate cancer require better tools to avoid overdetection of low-risk disease and improve diagnostic accuracy in high-risk patients.
During the last 3 decades, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has evolved to become the most accurate imaging technique for prostate cancer detection and staging, with a promising role in risk stratification. Because each MRI technique has advantages and limitations, state of the art of the so-called multiparametric MRI of the prostate is achieved combining anatomical T2-weighted imaging integrated with other techniques in which image contrast is related to the pathophysiology of the disease, such as diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging, and MR spectroscopy. After reviewing this article, readers will understand the clinical challenges in the management of patients with confirmed or suspected prostate cancer, when and how multiparametric MRI of the prostate can provide meaningful information, and how to perform and interpret it.
Written by:
Costa DN, Pedrosa I, Roehrborn C, Rofsky NM. Are you the author?
Departments of Radiology and Advanced Imaging Research Center; and Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.
Reference: Top Magn Reson Imaging. 2014 Aug;23(4):243-57.
doi: 10.1097/RMR.0000000000000027
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25099562
UroToday.com Prostate Cancer Section
