Prostatic calcifications: Quantifying occurrence, radiodensity, and spatial distribution in prostate cancer patients

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Urology
• Oncology

Background:

• Prostate calcifications are frequently observed in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer.
• Understanding the prevalence, density, and spatial distribution of these calcifications is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence, density, and distribution of prostate calcifications in patients with prostate cancer.
• To assess the relationship between calcifications and prostate cancer characteristics, including tumor location.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 85 patients with prostate cancer who underwent Gallium-68 PSMA PET/CT and multiparametric MRI.
• CT imaging was used to identify and isolate calcifications (threshold 130 HU).
• MRI and CT images were registered, and calcifications were mapped to MRI contours, including prostate zones and visible tumors.

Main Results:

• 54% of patients (46 out of 85) exhibited intraprostatic calcifications.
• Calcifications were more prevalent in the transition zone (65%) compared to the peripheral zone (35%).
• Calcifications were found within MRI-visible tumors in 12 patients and near tumors in 24 patients.

Conclusions:

• Prostate calcifications are a common finding in men with prostate cancer.
• The density and location of calcifications are significant considerations for treatment planning, particularly for minimally invasive therapies.