Diffusion imaging of the prostate at 3.0 tesla.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to assess the efficacy of diffusion imaging in the differential diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma using a 3.0 T scanner and parallel imaging technology.


METHODS
Diffusion-weighted images were acquired using a single shot echo-planar imaging sequence with b = 0 and 500 seconds/mm. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCy) values were calculated in tumor and healthy-appearing peripheral zone for 62 patients. Diffusion tensor images were also acquired in 25 patients and mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy determined.


RESULTS
Significant differences were noted between prostatic carcinoma (1.33 +/- 0.32 x 10(-3) mm2/s) and peripheral zone (1.86 +/- 0.47 x 10(-3) mm2/s) for ADCy. Significant differences between the 2 tissue types were also noted for mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy. Utilizing a cut-off of 1.45 x 10(-3) mm/s for mean diffusivity, a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 80% were obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
Diffusion imaging of the prostate was implemented at high magnetic field strength. Reduced ADC and increased fractional anisotropy values were noted in prostatic carcinoma.
Gibbs
Peter
P
Centre for MR Investigations, Division of Cancer, Postgraduate Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom. p.gibbs@hull.ac.uk
Pickles
Martin D
MD
Turnbull
Lindsay W
LW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011467:Prostate / Q000473:pathology*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012372:ROC Curve