The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in radical prostatectomy

The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the localised staging of prostate cancer in those who had undergone radical prostatectomy.

The cohort consisted of 110 patients who had undergone MRI for staging of prostate cancer and subsequently underwent radical prostatectomy. T stage was analysed both on MRI and from the specimen following radical surgery.

Of the patients 57% of patients had their disease up-staged following radical surgery from preoperative MRI findings. Of those patients who had their disease up-staged following surgery, nearly 50% of patients had gone from organ confined disease at time of MRI to extra-prostatic involvement from the surgical specimen.

We have reported that MRI has a wide range of accuracy. Given developments in MRI technologies further work should be pursued to help in the staging of this disease for which decision to treat is difficult.