Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scanning method that uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and special computer software to show detailed images of organs and tissues in the body. Unlike X-rays and CT (computed tomography) scans, MRI uses magnetic radio waves that are harmless to the human body. It is safe and noninvasive.
MRI scans can be programmed for several different pulse sequences, or parameters, that highlight specific differences between healthy and unhealthy tissue. When two or more parameters are used, it is called multiparametric MRI (mpMRI).
Multiparametric MRI
Multiparametric MRI – What is it?
How does mpMRI detect prostate cancer?
How does mpMRI detect prostate cancer?
Multiparametric MRI clearly reveals prostate anatomy and anything unusual within and
around it. There are four parameters that highlight different tissue characteristics in
order to detect prostate cancer.
1. T2 weighted MRI (T2 MRI) gives a 3D map of prostate zone anatomy.
- A suspicious-looking area is called a region of interest or ROI.
- T2 MRI is called the workhorse of prostate MRI, but more information is
needed to determine if the ROI is prostate cancer or a benign (noncancerous) condition.
2. Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI MRI) shows the movement of water molecules in tissue.
- Cancer cells restricts the motion more than other cells do, which shows up
in DWI MRI.
3. Dynamic contrast enhanced imaging (DCE MRI) reveals a tumor’s blood flow.
- A contrast agent is injected into a vein.
- Prostate cancer tumors develop their own blood vessels, which look
abnormal. - When injected, the contrast agent is quickly taken up by the tumor blood
vessels, then washes out and is later excreted in urine. - During the uptake and washout phase, the contrast agent shows the
cancer’s blood flow. - Also, the pace of the uptake/washout tells about the nature of the tumor.
4. Spectroscopy (MRI-S) may be added as a fourth parameter.
- If prostate cancer is present, it maintains its life by certain chemical processes (metabolism) that are distinct from normal cell metabolism.
- MRI-S gives metabolic information that confirms prostate cancer.
What are the advantages of multiparametric over TRUS for prostate imaging?
Multiparametric MRI has significant advantages over ultrasound for prostate imaging.
Ultrasound imaging uses a probe inserted into the rectum to beam sonic waves that
create computer images. This is called transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). The advantages of
mpMRI over TRUS include:
- Completely noninvasive – mpMRI on a powerful 3 Tesla (3T) magnet does not
require a coil (antenna) inserted in the rectum, so unlike TRUS, mpMRI is
completely noninvasive. NOTE: Some radiologists still prefer use of the
endorectal coil, especially with less powerful magnets, but the Sperling Prostate
Center and others have advanced technology that avoids the uncomfortable
endorectal coil. - Detailed 3D tumor images –mpMRI shows the prostate anatomy, and the size,
shape and location of any cancerous tumor as small as .2 cc. However, TRUS is
blind to tissue differences and does not reliably show tumors. - Characterization of prostate cancer before biopsy– By combining multiple
parameters, mpMRI gives advance warning about the how developed and
aggressive the cancer cells are. - Superior image guidance for interventions – Real time mpMRI is used to guide
the most accurate prostate biopsy with the fewest needles, whereas TRUS guided
biopsies are “blind” to tissue differences and require 12-24 needles.
Who is a candidate for Multiparametric MRI?
Multiparametric MRI of the prostate is the imaging of choice for men who
- Have arising or abnormally high PSA – mpMRI can detect if the cause is benign
or cancerous - Are being recommended for needle biopsy – mpMRI can rule a biopsy in or out
- Have low risk prostate cancer and are considering active surveillance – mpMRI
provides a baseline image as the foundation for monitoring during Active
Surveillance - Are onActive Surveillance – mpMRI will reveal any change in the cancer (e.g.
more aggressive) - Want a real-time MRI-guided in-bore biopsy with minimal needles
- Have already been treated for prostate cancer – mpMRI confirms treatment
success and can monitor for recurrence outside the treatment area provide you and your doctor with an image CD and a thorough written report, which you should discuss with your own doctor.
Multiparametric MRI has revolutionized the prostate cancer world
High resolution mpMRI of the prostate safely provides a wealth of advance information in order to make the best next-step decisions. In a recent paper of which I was a co-author, we noted, “mpMRI reliably identifies significant disease with high sensitivity and specificity.” No other imaging available today has such accuracy in detecting prostate cancer. If something suspicious is seen, mpMRI can guide a precisely targeted biopsy of the tumor’s core. This means the fewest needles for a more accurate diagnosis.
Finally, mpMRI is used to guide precision focal treatments such as our Center’s focal laser ablation that can destroy the tumor with few to no urinary and sexual side effects. In short, mpMRI is a revolution in prostate cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Our team and technology make us South Florida’s #1 center for specialty imaging scans.
Specialty Radiologists
You should visit a center that has Specialty Radiologists who are board-certified and provide fast medical image readings. Our team is dedicated to providing accurate test results with quick turnaround time, so your physician can take the necessary next steps towards your wellness. This is one of our many commitments to our patients.
Equipment Technology
Few centers offer the top-of-the-line imaging technology, such as a 3.0T (Tesla) MRI Scanner which offers unparalleled image quality and patient resolution. We provide the latest in this technology, the Phillips Ingenia 3.0T and Siemens Skyra 3.0T. Few outpatient centers in South Florida have this equipment.
Request an appointment
For your convenience, you can request an appointment by providing us some very basic information.
D. Miran (Patient)
Wow! Truly great experience. Usually I dread getting an MRI! Staff and technician are awesome. Went there because they had a 3T MRI, which doctor recommended. Exam itself was fast and actually soothing. Relaxing music and cool ambient lighting. Quick turnaround on the results too. Overall, 5 well deserved stars!
S. Brown (Patient)
Doctor Roizental’s facility was great. Clean, professional and took care of me quickly.
Our Equipment
Phillips Ingenia 3.0T
The Philips Ingenia 3.0T is the first-ever digital broadband magnetic resonance imaging system. Complete with an in-bore patient comfort system and ambient environment, patients can have a pleasant MRI experience. It also provides both consistent high-quality images possible with 3.0T (Tesla) magnet strength.
MAIN FEATURES
- – Optimized 70 cm Open Bore design to reduce patient anxiety and claustrophobia.
- Open Bore design can accommodate patients up to 551lb/250kg.
- Direct Digital samples the MR signal directly in the RF coil on the patient. In addition, the fiber-optic transmission captures the purest MR signal with up to 40% greater signal-to-noise ratio.
Siemens Skyra 3.0T
A powerful 3T magnet delivers high-quality images so a doctor can make a confident and accurate diagnosis. The Siemens Skyra is a versatile system that maximizes 3T magnetic field strength with its core technologies, Tim(r) 4G and Dot(r), along with its comprehensive application portfolio and experience unique functionalities to increase patient comfort. The Skyra possesses a Unique technology that provides a personalized exam that can be tailored to a patient’s need.
MAIN FEATURES
- The Skyra is a one of a kind system designed with an optimized 70 CM Open Bore design to reduce patient anxiety and claustrophobia.
- Open Bore design can accommodate patients up to 550lb/250kg.
- The shorter magnet on its class is only 173 CM system length. This means that most exams can be done with the patient head outside the machine.
- Choice of feet-first or head-first imaging for most scans and applications
Additional Features
WHOLE BODY MRI:
Using an advanced imaging technique called DWIBS MRI can provide similar lesion detection and localization capabilities as PET scans but without the radiation involved in PET imaging. MRI whole body is used for screening, tumor staging, and assessment of treatment response. This technique has tremendous advantages for patients as the entire body can be examined in a single, short and comfortable study.”
An Elective Full Body Scan Can Save Your Life
This elective exam uses state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging technology such as MRI Scans, CT Scans, and PET scans, to help detect silent life threatening abnormalities that if identified in early stages, can save your life. More than 90% of people whose cancer is diagnosed at stage 1 have a 10 year survival rate, compared with 5% for those whose disease is found at stage 4. Early Detection Saves Lives and our technology gives patients the power of knowledge.
