Jurgen J Futterer MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Tom W.J. Scheenen, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Stijn W.T.P.J. Heijmink MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Christina A. Hulsbergen-van der Kaa, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

J.A. Witjes MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jelle O Barentsz MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To assess endorectal MR staging and localizing performance in prostate cancer at 3T and to explore interobserver variability.

3T endorectal MR imaging was performed in 27 consecutive patients with biopsy proven prostate cancer, prior to radical prostatectomy. High resolution endorectal T2-weighted fast spin echo images (in plane resolution 0.18 x 0.18-mm) of the whole prostate in three planes were obtained. MR-images were prospectively evaluated by two experienced and one inexperienced radiologists with regard to local extent, prostate cancer localization and interobserver variability. Results were correlated with whole mount section histopathology.

The local staging accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were respectively 96% (26/27), 80% (4/5) and 100% (22/22) for the experienced radiologists, and for the unexperienced radiologist 89% (24/27), 60% (3/5) and 95% (21/22). The localization accuracy was 79% for the experienced reader and for the inexperienced reader 64%, respectively. The interobserver variability between the readers showed substantial agreement (kappa = .68 - .79) in staging and localizing prostate cancer. Two cases included minimal capsular invasion which were detected by both experienced radiologists.

Endorectal coil MR imaging at 3T results in high staging and localization accuracies with substantial observer agreement (k = .68 to .79). Minimal capsular invasion was detected. This may suggest a role in prostate staging at high fields.

Futterer, J, Scheenen, T, Heijmink, S, Hulsbergen-van der Kaa, C, Witjes, J, Barentsz, J, Staging and Localizing Prostate Cancer Using 3T Endorectal Coil MR Imaging.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4413264.html