Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 18, 2026
Tracking the Mammary Architectural Features and Detecting Breast Cancer with Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: December 15, 2014
3D T2-weighted imaging to shorten multiparametric prostate MRI protocols
Stephan H Polanec1, Mathias Lazar1, Georg J Wengert1
1Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090, Wien, Vienna, Austria.
Objectives:
To determine whether 3D acquisitions provide equivalent image quality, lesion delineation quality and PI-RADS v2 performance compared to 2D acquisitions in T2-weighted imaging of the prostate at 3 T.
Methods:
This IRB-approved, prospective study included 150 consecutive patients (mean age 63.7 years, 35-84 years; mean PSA 7.2 ng/ml, 0.4-31.1 ng/ml). Two uroradiologists (R1, R2) independently rated image quality and lesion delineation quality using a five-point ordinal scale and assigned a PI-RADS score for 2D and 3D T2-weighted image data sets. Data were compared using visual grading characteristics (VGC) and receiver operating characteristics (ROC)/area under the curve (AUC) analysis.
Results:
Image quality was similarly good to excellent for 2D T2w (mean score R1, 4.3 ± 0.81; R2, 4.7 ± 0.83) and 3D T2w (mean score R1, 4.3 ± 0.82; R2, 4.7 ± 0.69), p = 0.269. Lesion delineation was rated good to excellent for 2D (mean score R1, 4.16 ± 0.81; R2, 4.19 ± 0.92) and 3D T2w (R1, 4.19 ± 0.94; R2, 4.27 ± 0.94) without significant differences (p = 0.785). ROC analysis showed an equivalent performance for 2D (AUC 0.580-0.623) and 3D (AUC 0.576-0.629) T2w (p > 0.05, respectively).
Conclusions:
Three-dimensional acquisitions demonstrated equivalent image and lesion delineation quality, and PI-RADS v2 performance, compared to 2D in T2-weighted imaging of the prostate. Three-dimensional T2-weighted imaging could be used to considerably shorten prostate MRI protocols in clinical practice.
Key Points:
• 3D shows equivalent image quality and lesion delineation compared to 2D T2w. • 3D T2w and 2D T2w image acquisition demonstrated comparable diagnostic performance. • Using a single 3D T2w acquisition may shorten the protocol by 40%. • Combined with short DCE, multiparametric protocols of 10 min are feasible.
Insights
Three-dimensional (3D) T2-weighted imaging offers comparable image quality, lesion delineation, and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) v2 performance to 2D acquisitions. This 3D approach can significantly shorten prostate MRI protocols.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Prostate cancer diagnosis relies on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- T2-weighted imaging is crucial for prostate MRI protocols.
- Optimizing MRI protocols is essential for clinical efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic performance of 3D vs. 2D T2-weighted imaging for prostate MRI.
- To evaluate image quality and lesion delineation between 3D and 2D T2w sequences.
- To assess the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) v2 performance of both acquisition methods.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 150 patients undergoing 3 Tesla (3T) prostate MRI.
- Independent review of 2D and 3D T2-weighted image datasets by two uroradiologists.
- Assessment of image quality and lesion delineation using a five-point scale.
- Comparison of diagnostic performance using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analysis.
Main Results:
- Image quality and lesion delineation were rated similarly excellent for both 2D and 3D T2-weighted imaging (p > 0.05).
- Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated equivalent diagnostic performance between 2D and 3D T2w acquisitions (AUCs comparable, p > 0.05).
- The use of 3D T2w imaging could potentially reduce prostate MRI protocol times by up to 40%.
Conclusions:
- Three-dimensional T2-weighted imaging provides equivalent image quality, lesion delineation, and PI-RADS v2 performance compared to 2D acquisitions.
- 3D T2w imaging is a viable alternative to 2D, potentially enabling shorter and more efficient prostate MRI protocols.
- Integration of 3D T2w with short dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) sequences allows for feasible 10-minute multiparametric MRI protocols.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging