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Age-related changes of the prostate: evaluation by MR imaging
K S Allen1, H Y Kressel, P H Arger
1Radiology Department, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Prostate zonal anatomy becomes clearer with age. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows changes in prostate size and signal intensity, improving visualization of its distinct regions in older men.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Urology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Prostate zonal anatomy is crucial for understanding benign and malignant changes.
- Age-related morphologic and physiological alterations can impact prostate imaging.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers detailed visualization of prostate structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively evaluate age-related changes in prostate zonal anatomy using MRI.
- To correlate prostatic zonal size and signal intensity with patient age.
- To assess the impact of aging on the conspicuity of prostate zones.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pelvic MRI examinations in 40 men without known prostatic disease.
- Evaluation of axial long TR/long TE images for prostatic zonal size and signal intensity.
- Correlation of imaging findings with patient age (17-74 years).
Main Results:
- The central gland and peripheral zone enlarged with age; anterior fibromuscular stroma decreased.
- Periprostatic venous plexus prominence decreased with age but not significantly with gland size.
- Peripheral zone conspicuity improved with age and gland size on long TR/long TE MRI.
Conclusions:
- Prostate zonal anatomy is more clearly defined in older age groups on MRI.
- Morphologic and physiological changes with aging enhance zonal conspicuity.
- Long TR/long TE MRI sequences provide excellent contrast for visualizing age-related zonal differences.