That’s the headline from an article published in the clinical journal Renal & Urology News. It goes on to state “Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) can clarify which men with an elevated PSA (up to 15 ng/mL within 3 months) can safely avoid an immediate prostate biopsy and improve the accuracy of prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, according to a new study.”
For the lay person, that may be a bit difficult to understand. Let’s try to put it in more simple terms:
A choice by men and their urologists to have a multiparametric MRI often provides opportunities for not having an initial prostate biopsy or repeat biopsies.
What is multiparametric MRI?
At our Capitol Imaging Services affiliate, Diagnostic Imaging Services, 3 Tesla (3T) ultra-high field strength MRI is used to create detailed high resolution “multiparametric” cross-sectional images of the prostate gland. We define multiparametric as taking a large amount of different pictures of the prostate gland.
Images are acquired using techniques called MR DIFFUSION and MR PERFUSION IMAGING to better detect and stage prostate cancer. Better detection and staging assists surgeons in planning minimally invasive surgery.
An option for men and their families
Diagnostic Imaging Services was a “pioneer” in introducing multiparametric MRI for prostate imaging in Louisiana and the Gulf South. We still provide the ONLY solution that combines the technology with an academic team approach to interpreting each exam.
This means more than one radiologist reviews the images. Our prostate team discusses each case and then issues one comprehensive report using PI-RADS reporting. PI–RADS (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System) refers to a structured reporting scheme for evaluating the prostate for prostate cancer. It is designed to be used in a pre-therapy patient.
The PI-RADS structure is based on a score from 1 to 5 (which is given for each lesion), with 1 being most probably benign and 5 being highly suspicious of malignancy:
- PI-RADS 1: very low (clinically significant cancer is highly unlikely to be present)
- PI-RADS 2: low (clinically significant cancer is unlikely to be present)
- PI-RADS 3: intermediate (the presence of clinically significant cancer is equivocal)
- PI-RADS 4: high (clinically significant cancer is likely to be present)
- PI-RADS 5: very high (clinically significant cancer is highly likely to be present)
Diagnostic Imaging Services performs prostate 3T MRI in Marrero, Metairie and Slidell, LA. Click here for more information.