Imaging quality and prostate MR: it is time to improve

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Urologic Oncology

Background:

• Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) guidelines specify minimal technical requirements for prostate multiparametric MRI (mpMRI).
• Variability in mpMRI scan quality exists globally, impacting the sensitivity and specificity for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer.
• Clinicians' confidence in mpMRI for patient care is reduced by suboptimal image acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the need for standardized quality criteria in prostate mpMRI acquisition.
• To introduce the Prostate Imaging Quality (PI-QUAL) score as a tool for assessing mpMRI quality.
• To enhance clinician confidence in utilizing mpMRI for prostate cancer management.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Prostate Imaging Quality (PI-QUAL) score.
• Assessment of mpMRI quality against objective PI-RADS criteria and image-derived criteria.
• Expert panel review and consensus building.

Main Results:

• The PI-QUAL score is the first system to assess prostate mpMRI quality before reporting.
• It provides a standardized method to evaluate image acquisition against established guidelines.
• The score aims to increase trust in mpMRI findings for clinical decision-making.

Conclusions:

• The PI-QUAL score represents a significant step towards standardizing prostate mpMRI quality assessment.
• Further international expert consensus is required for widespread clinical adoption.
• Standardized quality assessment will improve the reliability and utility of mpMRI in prostate cancer care.