Multiparametric resonance imaging of the prostate Combination of multiple prostate MRI studies

This modality of study of Magnetic Resonance (MRI) has been showing promising and exciting results in the diagnosis, location, risk stratification and staging of clinically significant prostate cancer - the prostate tumors with aggressive behavior that may pose a threat to the patient.

It consists of the combination of several prostate MRI studies, with emphasis on the morphological study (in the T2-weighted sequences) and the functional study (in the diffusion sequence), that are at the heart of the diagnosis of prostate cancer in the Multiparametric MRI.

In an attempt to standardize observations and reduce variability among observers (the radiologists who interpret and report the exam), it is essential to use the updated PIRADS scoring system (Prostate Imaging and Reporting Archiving Data system). According to this system:

- Lesions classified as PIRADS 1 or 2 can be considered benign or very unlikely to translate clinically significant disease;

- PIRADS lesions 4 and 5 have a high and very high probability, respectively, of being able to represent clinically significant disease;

- The PIRADS 3 lesions are located in a “gray area”, and the Urologist must correlate the results with the clinical evaluation, which will determine the performance of a biopsy or the institution of clinical surveillance.

The importance of Multiparametric RMI is indisputable in patients previously submitted to a prostate biopsy, and is currently also recommended in patients who have not yet had any biopsy.

In addition to being a very important weapon in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate tumors, it is also precise in defining their location.

Nowadays, it is also a fundamental aid to be integrated in the performance of prostate biopsies - the so-called fusion biopsies.