What is Prostatic MRI?
Prostatic MRI is a non-invasive medical test performed to diagnose and treat pathologies of the prostate.
Uses of Prostatic MRI
- Assessment of complications after pelvis surgery
- Prior to prostate biopsy
- Staging of prostate cancer
- Evaluation of enlarged prostate
- Rising PSA
- Congenital abnormality
- Infection or prostate abscess.
Patient preparation
- You will be required to change into a hospital gown and remove all metal objects including keys, coins, wallet, swipe cards, jewelry, hearing aids, etc.
- Risks and benefits of the contrast injection will be explained and a signed written consent obtained before entering the room.
- Gadolinium is only given to patients with normal renal values.
- Claustrophobic patients maybe accompanied into the room by relatives
- Procedure will be explained to the patient.
How is the exam performed
- Patient is positioned on moveable examination table
- Immobilizers may be used to secure the coil in place and prevent voluntary movements.
- An IV line will be connected to a pressure injector which will be used to administer the contrast media
- After initial scanning, contrast is administered followed by post contrast imaging.
- Examination is completed within an hour.
What to expect
- Procedure is painless
- Machine makes loud noises.
- Claustrophobic patients may need to speak to their doctors about a mild sedative.
- Patient expected to remain still for the duration of the scan.
- Technologist will be able to see, hear and speak to you from the control area.
- You will receive earplugs, blanket and call bulb to make you comfortable.
- You may experience a cool sensation moving up the arm when contrast is being injected.
- Might experience some discomfort, bruising or irritation at the injection site after injection.
- Normal activities and diet can be resumed immediately after the examination.
- Side effects to contrast agent are very rare.
Reference
- Information accessed on November 02, 2016 . www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=mr_prostate
- Images acquired on November 02, 2016 from https://www.google.com.jm/search?q=prostate+mri&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=638&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjf_aGZ3IrQAhUB9WMKHXh-A60Q_AUIBigB&dpr=1#imgrc=4-mUFxwl1pXM%3A
- Acquired November 2, 2016 from https://www.researchgate.net/figure/278712131_ fig8_ Figure-4-134-McNeal’s-zonal-anatomy-of-the-prostate-a-Transaxial-and-b-sagittal