Multiparametric MRI Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) Accuracy in Diagnosing Clinically Significant Prostate

Pietro Pepe1, Davide D'Urso2, Antonio Garufi3

  • 1Urology Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy.

Abstract

Insights

Multiparametric MRI apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) accurately diagnoses clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa). ADC values show higher diagnostic accuracy than PI-RADS scores for detecting high-grade PCa.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Oncology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis relies on accurate imaging.
  • Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is crucial for PCa detection.
  • Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values quantify tissue water diffusion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the diagnostic accuracy of mpMRI ADC values for clinically significant PCa.
  • To compare ADC values with the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) for PCa grading.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 44 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.
  • Evaluation of mpMRI ADC values and PI-RADS scores against definitive pathology.
  • Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine diagnostic thresholds.

Main Results:

  • An ADC threshold of 0.747×10⁻³ mm²/s differentiated Gleason score 6 from ≥7.
  • ADC values achieved 84% diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.81) for Gleason score ≥7.
  • PI-RADS ≥3 showed 63.6% accuracy (AUC 0.71) for Gleason score ≥7.

Conclusions:

  • ADC evaluation demonstrates superior accuracy in diagnosing clinically significant PCa compared to PI-RADS.
  • ADC values can aid clinicians in managing patients with PI-RADS scores <3 who are at risk for PCa.