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Prostate MRI
High-resolution prostate MRI imaging applies the same principles used in breast cancer MRI scans, utilizing advanced computer-assisted detection (CAD) hardware and software in conjunction with high-field MRI to analyze the kinetics of blood flow through the prostate. This results in higher sensitivity for detection of abnormal sites of blood flow that may represent the sites of cancer within the prostate gland. The need for a high number of "blind" biopsies of the gland is greatly reduced and accuracy of biopsies as well as the value of follow-up treatment is greatly increased. Your urologist, in conjunction with the radiologists of DRA, may choose to add prostate MRI with CAD analysis to the imaging procedures used to diagnose, rule out, or follow the treatment of prostate cancer. Be assured that the technology and expertise used at DRA Imaging is of the highest quality and truly state-of-the-art. This technology not only provides increased accuracy, but also affords increased comfort for the patient during the exam. Because of the power of the computer, multiple scans can be obtained to yield sophisticated time/intensity curves of the flow of blood in only twenty minutes, using a simple apparatus similar to what is used for other MRI scans.
How to Prepare for an Prostate MRI
- Prostate MRI preparation is key to ensure a successful exam.
- Nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to the exam
- Fleet enema the morning of the procedure or 2 hours prior to the exam
- No sexual intercourse 3 days prior to the exam
If a biopsy has been performed of the prostate, it is suggested not to schedule a Prostate MRI less than 5-6 weeks post biopsy. Our technical team will review your clinical history and if you have elevated PSA bloodwork or biopsy results, you will need to bring a copy of the results with you at the time of your exam.
What Happens During the Procedure
As with most MRI exams, Prostate MRI is completely non-invasive and painless. With the help of an MRI technologist, you will be positioned on a padded table, a padded coil will be placed across the top of your abdomen and you will be moved slowly into the MRI machine, feet first. Your head will be out of the magnet. You will have a small IV placed into a vein in either your arm or hand. At a specific time during the exam, the contrast material will be injected into your arm to further enhance the prostate MRI images.
For your comfort you will be given ear plugs during the exam. You will remain in contact with the technologist during the entire exam. Once the exam is complete you will be brought out of the magnet and assisted off the table by the technologist or nurse.
What Happens after the Procedure
You can resume your normal activities.
Your images will be sent to the computer enhanced analysis system for a Board Certified Radiologist to interpret and the written report of your results will be sent to your referring physician.
MRI Contra-Indications
People with the following implants may not be scanned and should not enter the scanning area without an in-depth review of the device by DRA Imaging, PC.
- Pacemaker
- Internal (implanted) defibrillator
- Cochlear (ear) implant
- Brain aneurysm clips
Some other devices that may represent a risk or cause an artifact include:
- Artificial heart valves
- Implanted drug infusion ports
- Artificial limbs or Metallic joint
- prostheses
- Implanted nerve stimulators
- Metal pins, screws, plates or
- surgical staples.
Pregnancy Policy:
All patients of childbearing age (10 - 54) will be required to sign that there is No Chance of Pregnancy prior to an imaging exam being performed (Exception: - Ultrasound). If there is a chance of pregnancy, STAT blood work will be ordered prior to the procedure being performed to establish that there is no chance of pregnancy.
In the event, you are pregnant and the exam is deemed necessary by your physician, you will be shielded and monitored with a radiation badge.