[Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma]

The standard diagnostic and staging evaluation of prostate cancer includes digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level measurement, abdominal pelvic CT and radionuclide bone scan. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (especially endorectal magnetic resonance) opens new possibilities for diagnostic imaging of the prostate. It seems to be better for detecting seminal vesicle invasion. Unfortunately, sensitivity in evaluation of minor capsular and seminal penetration is low and differentiation between haemorrhage, chronic inflammatory, fibrotic changes and tumours is impossible.