Related Experiment Video For Diffusion-weighted imaging
Updated: Feb 24, 2026

A Cognitive Fusion-guided Prostate Biopsy Using Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Transrectal Ultrasound
Published on: March 21, 2025
Prostate cancer detection among readers with different degree of experience using ultra-high b-value
D Hausmann1, N Aksöz2, J von Hardenberg3
1Institute of Clinical Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, Mannheim, Germany. Daniel.hausmann@medma.uni-heidelberg.de.
Aim:
To evaluate the accuracy of a T2-weighted (T2w) - and a parallel transmit zoomed b = 2000 s/mm2 (b2000) - diffusion-weighted imaging sequence among three readers with different degrees of experience for prostate cancer (Pca) detection.
Methods:
Ninety-three patients with suspected Pca were enrolled. For b2000 a two-dimensional spatially-selective RF pulse using an echo-planar transmit trajectory was applied, and the field of view (FOV) was reduced to one-third. All three readers (Reader A: 7, B 4 and C <1 years of experience in prostate MRI) independently evaluated b2000 with regard to the presence of suspicious lesions that displayed increased signal. The results were compared to histopathology obtained by real-time MR/ultrasound fusion and systematic biopsy.
Results:
In 62 patients Pca was confirmed. One significant Pca (Gleason score (GS) 7b) was missed by Reader C. Overall, sensitivity/specificity/positive predictive value/negative predictive value were 90/71/86/79% for Reader A, 87/84/92/76% for Reader B and 85/74/87/72% for Reader C, respectively. Detection rates for significant Pca (GS >7a) were 100/100/94% for Readers A/B/C, respectively. Inter-reader agreement was generally good (Kappa A/B: 0.8; A/C: 0.82; B/C: 0.74).
Conclusion:
B2000 in combination with a T2w could be useful to detect clinically significant Pca.
Key Points:
• Significant prostate cancer using zoomed ultra-high b-value DWI was detected. • Diagnostic performance among readers with different degrees of experience was good. • mp- MRI of the prostate using a comprehensive non-contrast protocol is clinically feasible.

