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Use of MRI-ultrasound Fusion to Achieve Targeted Prostate Biopsy
09:11

Use of MRI-ultrasound Fusion to Achieve Targeted Prostate Biopsy

Published on: April 9, 2019

MR imaging characteristics of noncancerous lesions of the prostate

K Lovett1, M D Rifkin, P A McCue

  • 1Department of Radiology, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia.

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|January 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help differentiate prostate cancer from benign conditions. T2-weighted MRI findings of cystic atrophy and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can mimic prostate cancer, requiring careful interpretation.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Uropathology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Accurate differentiation between prostate cancer and benign prostatic conditions is crucial for effective treatment planning.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a key modality for evaluating prostate abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To correlate findings on axial T2-weighted MRI with radical prostatectomy specimens in patients with early-stage prostate cancer.
  • To identify specific MRI signal intensities and locations associated with benign prostatic lesions that may mimic cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of radical prostatectomy specimens from 53 men with clinical stage A or B prostate cancer.
  • Correlation with pre-operative axial T2-weighted MRI findings, evaluating signal intensity and location of non-cancerous lesions.

Main Results:

  • Focal high-signal-intensity areas (81% of patients) often represented cystic atrophy, with peripheral lesions correlating with cystic atrophy (with or without cancer) or inflammation.
  • Focal low-signal-intensity areas (60% of patients) in the central gland correlated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or fibrous tissue; peripheral lesions were predominantly fibrous tissue or BPH.
  • Mixed signal-intensity lesions (64% of patients) were mostly central BPH or peripheral cystic atrophy with fibrosis.

Conclusions:

  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with low or mixed signal intensity can mimic prostate cancer, especially when extending into the peripheral zone.
  • High-intensity cystic atrophy associated with cancer can be mistaken for normal tissue on T2-weighted MRI.

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