Dynamic first pass 3D EPI of the prostate: Accuracy in tumor location

Purpose: To evaluate the potential of dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) 3D EPI in the location of prostate cancer. Material and Methods: A DCE 3D EPI scan was included in the magnetic resonance imaging protocol for prostate examination. Twenty-eight patients who subsequently underwent radical prostatectomy were included in the study. T2-weighted (T2W) Turbo Spin Echo (TSE) images were initially evaluated by two radiologists. Parametric images reflecting contrast enhancement were added and new evaluations performed. The results were compared with histology from resected specimens. Accuracies and interobserver agreements were calculated. Results: Interobserver agreement was kappa(w)=49+/-3% for the T2W technique and kappa(w)=30+/-3% for the combined techniques. No statistically significant advantages were found for location of tumor in the prostate or in the seminal vesicles by adding the DCE information. Conclusion: DCE 3D EPI did not improve tumor location compared with that of T2W TSE images. Further investigation is needed on how best to exploit the DCE technique.