Prostate MRI

Contrast-enhanced 3T prostate MRI for detection and characterization of prostate lesions. Multiparametric protocol combining anatomical, diffusion, and contrast sequences for PI-RADS assessment.

The prostate MRI at Diagnosezentrum Salzburg uses the 3T scanner with contrast enhancement to perform multiparametric imaging of the prostate gland. The higher field strength is particularly advantageous for prostate imaging, where improved signal-to-noise ratio translates to better detection of suspicious lesions in both the peripheral and transition zones. The protocol combines T2-weighted anatomical sequences for zonal anatomy and lesion morphology, diffusion-weighted imaging with apparent diffusion coefficient mapping for cellularity assessment, and dynamic contrast-enhanced sequences for vascularity evaluation. This multiparametric approach follows PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System) standards, with each identified lesion scored on the 1-5 scale to estimate the probability of clinically significant cancer. At EUR 650 including contrast, this examination guides urologists in deciding between targeted biopsy, active surveillance, or further investigation. It is commonly requested for men with elevated PSA levels, those already under active surveillance for low-grade prostate cancer, and as pre-biopsy planning to improve targeting accuracy.