Age-related and zonal anatomical changes of apparent diffusion coefficient values in normal human prostatic tissues

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Urology

Background:

• Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a key technique for prostate cancer diagnosis.
• Understanding age-related changes in prostate tissue diffusion is essential for accurate interpretation of DWI findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate age-related variations in water molecule diffusion within the prostate.
• To analyze differences in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values across age groups in healthy Japanese men.

Main Methods:

• Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was performed on 114 healthy adult males (age 24-81).
• Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured in the peripheral zone (PZ) and central gland (CG) of the prostate.
• Correlations between ADC values, prostate regions, and subject age were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in mean ADC values were observed between the PZ and CG.
• ADC values in both PZ and CG showed a significant positive correlation with subject age.
• No significant differences in ADC distribution were found between evaluated prostate regions.

Conclusions:

• Prostate ADC values increase with advancing age in healthy men.
• Age-related increases in prostate ADC must be considered when diagnosing prostate cancer using DWI.
• These findings contribute to a better understanding of normal prostate tissue characteristics on DWI.