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Comparison of image quality and patient discomfort in prostate MRI: pelvic phased array coil vs. endorectal coil

Borna K Barth1, Alexander Cornelius2, Daniel Nanz1

  • 1Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.

Abdominal Radiology (New York)
|July 3, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pelvic phased array (PPA) coils offer comparable image quality to endorectal (ER) coils for prostate MRI T2w images. DWI images showed improved quality with the ER coil for one reader, with minimal patient discomfort.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosis and staging.
  • Traditional endorectal (ER) coils provide high-resolution images but can cause patient discomfort.
  • Pelvic phased array (PPA) coils offer a non-invasive alternative, but their comparative performance needs evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare image quality (IQ) and patient discomfort between pelvic phased array (PPA) coils and endorectal (ER) coils for prostate MRI.
  • To assess the impact of coil choice on T2-weighted (T2w) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) quality.
  • To quantify patient-reported discomfort associated with ER coil use.

Main Methods:

  • Ninety-eight patients underwent 3T prostate MRI using both PPA and ER coils for T2w and DWI sequences.
  • Radiologists assessed IQ on a 5-point Likert scale and identified artifacts.
  • Patients completed a visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire regarding ER coil discomfort and pain.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in overall T2w IQ between PPA and ER coils for either reader.
  • Reader 2 rated DWI IQ higher with the ER coil (p < 0.05), while Reader 1 found similar IQ for both.
  • Susceptibility artifacts were more frequent with ER coils (109 vs. 75).
  • Mean VAS scores for ER coil discomfort and pain were low (3.5 ± 2.1 and 2.4 ± 2.4, respectively).

Conclusions:

  • PPA coils provide comparable T2w image quality to ER coils in prostate MRI.
  • ER coils may offer superior DWI quality for some readers, despite increased artifact potential.
  • ER coil insertion results in low to moderate patient discomfort and pain, suggesting it remains a viable option.
Keywords:
Endorectal coilPatient discomfortProstate MRIProstate cancer

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