Variability of Prostate MRI Charges Among U.S. Hospital-Based Facilities.

The Premier Healthcare Database was used to assess charge variation for prostate MRI examinations in U.S. hospitals from January 2010 to March 2020. In 552 facilities performing 37,073 examinations, the median charge per examination was $4419 with 26-fold variation between the lowest ($593) and highest ($15,150) median facility charges. In multilevel linear regression analysis, interfacility variation explained 63.9% of charge variation. Patients may be charged vastly different prices for prostate MRI depending on the facility.

Management of Patients With a Negative Multiparametric Prostate MRI Examination: AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review.

Multiparametric prostate MRI (mpMRI) aids risk stratification of patients with elevated PSA levels. While most clinically significant prostate cancers are detected by mpMRI, insignificant cancers are less evident. Thus, multiple international prostate cancer guidelines now endorse routine use of prostate MRI as a secondary screening test before prostate biopsy. Nonetheless, management of patients with negative mpMRI results (defined as PI-RADS category 1 or 2) remains unclear. This AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review summarizes the available literature on patients with an elevated screening PSA level and a negative prostate mpMRI, and provides guidance for these patients' management. Systematic biopsy should not be routinely performed after a negative mpMRI in patients at average risk but should be considered in patients at high risk. In patients who undergo PSA screening rather than systematic biopsy after negative mpMRI, clear triggers should be established for when to perform a repeat MRI. Patients with negative MRI followed by negative biopsy should follow their healthcare practitioners' preferred guidelines concerning subsequent PSA screening for the patient's risk level. Insufficient high-level data exist to support routine use of adjunctive serum or urine biomarkers, artificial intelligence, or PSMA PET to determine the need for prostate biopsy after negative mpMRI.

Management Strategy for Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System Category 3 Lesions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) category 3 lesions present a clinical dilemma due to their uncertain nature, which complicates the development of a definitive management strategy. These lesions have an incidence rate of approximately 22-32%, with clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) accounting for about 10-30%. Therefore, a thorough evaluation is warranted. RECENT FINDINGS: This review highlights the need for radiology peer review, including the confirmation of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) compliance, as the initial step. Additional MRI models such as VERDICT or Tofts need to be verified. Current evidence shows that imaging and clinical indicators can be used for risk stratification of PI-RADS 3 lesions. For low-risk lesions, a safety net monitoring approach involving annual repeat MRI can be employed. In contrast, lesions deemed potentially risky based on prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD), 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT, MPS, Proclarix, or AI/machine learning models should undergo biopsy. It is recommended to establish a multidisciplinary team that takes into account factors such as age, PSAD, prostate, and lesion size, as well as previous biopsy pathological findings. Combining expert opinions, clinical-imaging indicators, and emerging methods will contribute to the development of management strategies for PI-RADS 3 lesions.

Pilot study of the diagnostic utility of 89 Zr-df-IAB2M and 68 Ga-PSMA-11 PET imaging and multiparametric MRI in localized prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Accurate diagnosis of localized prostate cancer (PCa) is limited by inadequacy of multiparametric (mp) MRI to fully identify and differentiate localized malignant tissue from benign pathologies. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) represents an excellent target for molecular imaging. IAB2M, an 85-kD minibody derived from a de-immunized monoclonal antibody directed at the extracellular domain of human PSMA (huJ591), and PSMA-11, a small molecule ligand have been previously tested as probes for visualization of recurrent/metastatic PCa with PET/CT. This pilot, non-randomized trial studied their diagnostic utility in patients (pts) with localized PCa. METHODS: Pts planned for radical prostatectomy (RP) were enrolled and underwent mpMRI and PET/CT imaging with 89 Zr-df-IAB2M and/or 68 Ga-PSMA-PET/CT. Image results were read by a radiologist blinded to clinical information and pathology results, mapped and compared to corresponding histopathology findings from all lesions, both clinically significant and nonsignificant. The detection rates of all three imaging modalities were measured and correlated. RESULTS: 20 pts with median age of 64.5 (46-79) years and PSA level of 7.5 (1.6-36.56) ng/ml were enrolled. 19 pts underwent RP and were imaged pre-operatively with 89 Zr-Df-IAB2M PET/CT and mpMRI. Nine of those were imaged using 68 Ga-PSMA-11 as well. Out of 48 intraprostatic lesions verified on surgical pathology, IAB2M PET/CT was able to detect 36 (75%). A similar proportion of pathologically confirmed, clinically significant lesions (22/29, 76%) was detected. IAB2M PET/CT was also able to identify 14/19 (74%) extraprostatic lesions. The performance of mpMRI was inferior, with 24/48 detectable lesions (50%) and 18/29 clinically significant intraprostatic lesions (62%). Compared to the current standard (mpMRI), IAB2M PET/CT had a sensitivity of 88%, specificity 38%, positive predictive value 58%, and accuracy 63%. In 9 pts who underwent Ga-PSMA-11 as well, the latter yielded a detection rate of 70% (14/20), which was also seen in clinically significant lesions (10/14, 71%). Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT also detected 4/6 (67%) extraprostatic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, the performance of 89 Zr-df-IAB2M was superior to mpMRI and similar to 68 Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT. The higher detection rate of PSMA-PET supports its use as a diagnostic tool with consequent management change implications in men with localized PCa.

Major hemorrhage and mortality in COVID-19 patients on therapeutic anticoagulation for venous thromboembolism.

We observed multiple fatal intracranial hemorrhages shortly after initiating therapeutic anticoagulation for treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in COVID-19 patients suggesting increased anticoagulation risk associated with COVID-19. The objective of this study is to quantify risk of major hemorrhage in hospitalized COVID-19 patients on therapeutic anticoagulation for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 receiving therapeutic anticoagulation for DVT, PE or both at four New York City hospitals were evaluated for hemorrhagic complications. These were categorized as major (including fatal) or clinically relevant non-major according to the criteria of the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Hemorrhagic complications were correlated with clinical and laboratory data, ICD-10 code diagnoses and type of anticoagulation treatment. Minor hemorrhages were excluded. Major/clinically relevant hemorrhages occurred in 36 of 170 (21%) hospitalized COVID-19 patients being treated with therapeutic anticoagulation for VTE including 4 (2.4%) fatal hemorrhages. Hemorrhage was 3.4 times more likely with unfractionated heparin 27/76 (36%) compared to 8/81 (10%) with low molecular weight heparin (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that major hemorrhage was associated with intubation (p = 0.04) and elevated serum LDH (p < 0.001) and low fibrinogen (p = 0.05). Increased risk of hemorrhagic complications in treating VTE in hospitalized COVID-19 patients should be considered especially when using unfractionated heparin, in intubated patients, with low fibrinogen and/or elevated LDH. Checking serum fibrinogen and LDH before initiating therapeutic anticoagulation and monitoring coagulation parameters frequently may reduce bleeding complications.

Tissue clearing techniques for three-dimensional optical imaging of intact human prostate and correlations with multi-parametric MRI.

BACKGROUND: Tissue clearing technologies have enabled remarkable advancements for in situ characterization of tissues and exploration of the three-dimensional (3D) relationships between cells, however, these studies have predominantly been performed in non-human tissues and correlative assessment with clinical imaging has yet to be explored. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of tissue clearing technologies for 3D imaging of intact human prostate and the mapping of structurally and molecularly preserved pathology data with multi-parametric volumetric MR imaging (mpMRI). METHODS: Whole-mount prostates were processed with either hydrogel-based CLARITY or solvent-based iDISCO. The samples were stained with a nuclear dye or fluorescently labeled with antibodies against androgen receptor, alpha-methylacyl coenzyme-A racemase, or p63, and then imaged with 3D confocal microscopy. The apparent diffusion coefficient and Ktrans maps were computed from preoperative mpMRI. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis of cleared normal and tumor prostate tissue volumes displayed differences in 3D tissue architecture, marker-specific cell staining, and cell densities that were significantly correlated with mpMRI measurements in this initial, pilot cohort. CONCLUSIONS: 3D imaging of human prostate volumes following tissue clearing is a feasible technique for quantitative radiology-pathology correlation analysis with mpMRI and provides an opportunity to explore functional relationships between cellular structures and cross-sectional clinical imaging.

Pulmonary Embolism in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Multicenter Study.

Background Pulmonary embolism (PE) commonly complicates SARS-CoV-2 infection, but incidence and mortality reported in single-center studies, along with risk factors, vary. Purpose To determine the incidence of PE in patients with COVID-19 and its associations with clinical and laboratory parameters. Materials and Methods In this HIPAA-compliant study, electronic medical records were searched retrospectively for demographic, clinical, and laboratory data and outcomes among patients with COVID-19 admitted at four hospitals from March through June 2020. PE found at CT pulmonary angiography and perfusion scintigraphy was correlated with clinical and laboratory parameters. The d-dimer level was used to predict PE, and the obtained threshold was externally validated among 85 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at a fifth hospital. The association between right-sided heart strain and embolic burden was evaluated in patients with PE undergoing echocardiography. Results A total of 413 patients with COVID-19 (mean age, 60 years ± 16 [standard deviation]; age range, 20-98 years; 230 men) were evaluated. PE was diagnosed in 102 (25%; 95% CI: 21, 29) of 413 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who underwent CT pulmonary angiography or perfusion scintigraphy. PE was observed in 21 (29%; 95% CI: 19, 41) of 73 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) versus 81 (24%; 95% CI: 20, 29) of 340 patients who were not in the ICU (P = .37). PE was associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.74; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.8; P = .02); smoking (OR, 1.86; 95% CI: 1.0, 3.4; P = .04); and increased d-dimer (P < .001), lactate dehydrogenase (P < .001), ferritin (P = .001), and interleukin-6 (P = .02) levels. Mortality in hospitalized patients was similar between patients with PE and those without PE (14% [13 of 102]; 95% CI: 8, 22] vs 13% [40 of 311]; 95% CI: 9, 17; P = .98), suggesting that diagnosis and treatment of PE were not associated with excess mortality. The d-dimer levels greater than 1600 ng/mL [8.761 nmol/L] helped predict PE with 100% sensitivity and 62% specificity in an external validation cohort. Embolic burden was higher in patients with right-sided heart strain among the patients with PE undergoing echocardiography (P = .03). Conclusion Pulmonary embolism (PE) incidence was 25% in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 suspected of having PE. A d-dimer level greater than 1600 ng/mL [8.761 nmol/L] was sensitive for identification of patients who needed CT pulmonary angiography. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Ketai in this issue.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiomics-Based Machine Learning Prediction of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer in Equivocal PI-RADS 3 Lesions.

BACKGROUND: While Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 4 and 5 lesions typically warrant prostate biopsy and PI-RADS 1 and 2 lesions may be safely observed, PI-RADS 3 lesions are equivocal. PURPOSE: To construct and cross-validate a machine learning model based on radiomics features from T2 -weighted imaging (T2 WI) of PI-RADS 3 lesions to identify clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa), that is, pathological Grade Group ≥ 2. STUDY TYPE: Single-center retrospective study. POPULATION: A total of 240 patients were included (training cohort, n = 188, age range 43-82 years; test cohort, n = 52, age range 41-79 years). Eligibility criteria were 1) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-targeted biopsy between 2015 and 2020; 2) PI-RADS 3 index lesion identified on multiparametric MRI; (3) biopsy performed within 1 year of MRI. The percentages of csPCa lesions were 10.6% and 15.4% in the training and test cohorts, respectively. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: A 3 T; T2 WI turbo-spin echo, diffusion-weighted spin-echo echo planar imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI with time-resolved T1-weighted imaging. ASSESSMENT: Multislice volumes-of-interest (VOIs) were drawn in the PI-RADS 3 index lesions on T2 WI. A total of 107 radiomics features (first-order histogram and second-order texture) were extracted from the segmented lesions. STATISTICAL TESTS: A random forest classifier using the radiomics features as input was trained and validated for prediction of csPCa. The performance of the machine learning classifier, prostate specific antigen (PSA) density, and prostate volume for csPCa prediction was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: The trained random forest classifier constructed from the T2 WI radiomics features good and statistically significant area-under-the-curves (AUCs) of 0.76 (P = 0.022) for prediction of csPCa in the test set. Prostate volume and PSA density showed moderate and nonsignificant performance (AUC 0.62, P = 0.275 and 0.61, P = 0.348, respectively) for csPCa prediction in the test set. CONCLUSION: The machine learning classifier based on T2 WI radiomic features demonstrated good performance for prediction of csPCa in PI-RADS 3 lesions. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: 2.

Practice Patterns and Challenges of Performing and Interpreting Prostate MRI: A Survey by the Society of Abdominal Radiology Prostate Disease-Focused Panel.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to report on the practice patterns and challenges of performing and interpreting prostate MRI. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. An electronic survey regarding prostate MRI practice patterns and challenges was sent to members of the Society of Abdominal Radiology. RESULTS. The response rate was 15% (212/1446). Most (65%) of the respondents were academic abdominal radiologists with 1-5 (52%), 6-10 (20%), 11-20 (15%), and more than 20 (5%) years of experience in reporting prostate MRI. The numbers of prostate MRI examinations reported per week were 0-5 (43%), 6-10 (38%), 11-20 (12%), 21-30 (5%), and more than 30 (2%). Imaging was performed at 3 T (58%), 1.5 T (20%), or either (21%), and most examinations (83%) were performed without an endorectal coil. Highest b values ranged from 800 to 5000 s/mm2; 1400 s/mm2 (26%) and 1500 s/mm2 (30%) were the most common. Most respondents (79%) acquired dynamic contrast-enhanced images with temporal resolution of less than 10 seconds. Most (71%) of the prostate MRI studies were used for fusion biopsy. PI-RADS version 2 was used by 92% of the respondents and template reporting by 80%. Challenges to performing and interpreting prostate MRI were scored on a 1-5 Likert scale (1, easy; 2, somewhat easy; 3, neutral; 4, somewhat difficult; 5, very difficult). The median scores were 2 or 3 for patient preparatory factors. Image acquisition and reporting factors were scored 1-2, except for performing spectroscopy or using an endorectal coil, both of which scored 4. Acquiring patient history scored 2 and quality factors scored 3. CONCLUSION. Most radiologists perform prostate MRI at 3 T without an endorectal coil and interpret the images using PI-RADS version 2. Challenges include obtaining quality images, acquiring feedback, and variability in the interpretation of PI-RADS scores.

PI-RADS Committee Position on MRI Without Contrast Medium in Biopsy-Naive Men With Suspected Prostate Cancer: Narrative Review.

The steadily increasing demand for diagnostic prostate MRI has led to concerns regarding the lack of access to and the availability of qualified MRI scanners and sufficiently experienced radiologists, radiographers, and technologists to meet the demand. Solutions must enhance operational benefits without compromising diagnostic performance, quality, and delivery of service. Solutions should also mitigate risks such as decreased reader confidence and referrer engagement. One approach may be the implementation of MRI without the use gadolinium-based contrast medium (bipara-metric MRI), but only if certain prerequisites such as high-quality imaging, expert interpretation quality, and availability of patient recall or on-table monitoring are mandated. Alternatively, or in combination, a clinical risk-based approach could be used for protocol selection, specifically, which biopsy-naive men need MRI with contrast medium (multiparametric MRI). There is a need for prospective studies in which biopsy decisions are made according to MRI without contrast enhancement. Such studies must define clinical and operational benefits and identify which patient groups can be scanned successfully without contrast enhancement. These higher-quality data are needed before the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) Committee can make evidence-based recommendations about MRI without contrast enhancement as an initial diagnostic approach for prostate cancer workup.

Variability of the Positive Predictive Value of PI-RADS for Prostate MRI across 26 Centers: Experience of the Society of Abdominal Radiology Prostate Cancer Disease-focused Panel.

Background Prostate MRI is used widely in clinical care for guiding tissue sampling, active surveillance, and staging. The Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) helps provide a standardized probabilistic approach for identifying clinically significant prostate cancer. Despite widespread use, the variability in performance of prostate MRI across practices remains unknown. Purpose To estimate the positive predictive value (PPV) of PI-RADS for the detection of high-grade prostate cancer across imaging centers. Materials and Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study was compliant with the HIPAA. Twenty-six centers with members in the Society of Abdominal Radiology Prostate Cancer Disease-focused Panel submitted data from men with suspected or biopsy-proven untreated prostate cancer. MRI scans were obtained between January 2015 and April 2018. This was followed with targeted biopsy. Only men with at least one MRI lesion assigned a PI-RADS score of 2-5 were included. Outcome was prostate cancer with Gleason score (GS) greater than or equal to 3+4 (International Society of Urological Pathology grade group ≥2). A mixed-model logistic regression with institution and individuals as random effects was used to estimate overall PPVs. The variability of observed PPV of PI-RADS across imaging centers was described by using the median and interquartile range. Results The authors evaluated 3449 men (mean age, 65 years ± 8 [standard deviation]) with 5082 lesions. Biopsy results showed 1698 cancers with GS greater than or equal to 3+4 (International Society of Urological Pathology grade group ≥2) in 2082 men. Across all centers, the estimated PPV was 35% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27%, 43%) for a PI-RADS score greater than or equal to 3 and 49% (95% CI: 40%, 58%) for a PI-RADS score greater than or equal to 4. The interquartile ranges of PPV at these same PI-RADS score thresholds were 27%-44% and 27%-48%, respectively. Conclusion The positive predictive value of the Prostate Imaging and Reporting Data System was low and varied widely across centers. © RSNA, 2020 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Milot in this issue.

Variation in Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Ultrasound Fusion Targeted Biopsy Outcomes in Asian American Men: A Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: Asian American men have distinctly different prostate cancer epidemiology than other men. To our knowledge the role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and targeted biopsy for elevated prostate specific antigen in this population has not been assessed. We sought to define imaging and targeted biopsy outcomes in Asian American men compared to other men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We accrued a multicenter, prospective cohort of men who underwent magnetic resonance imaging targeted and systematic biopsy for elevated prostate specific antigen. The outcome of interest was a diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (Gleason Grade Group 2 or greater) stratified by the PI-RADS™ (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System) score and a history of negative biopsy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the effect of Asian American race on cancer detection. RESULTS: Of the 2,571 men 275 (11%) were Asian American. Clinically significant prostate cancer was detected in 37% of Asian American men compared to 48% of men of other races (p <0.001). Asian American men were also less likely to be diagnosed with Grade Group 1 cancer (12% vs 18%, p=0.007). Additionally, there was significantly lower detection of significant cancer using PI-RADS 3 in Asian American men vs men of other races (12% vs 21%, p=0.032). On adjusted analysis Asian American men were less likely to be diagnosed with significant cancer (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.42-0.79, p <0.001) and Grade Group 1 cancer (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.38-0.84, p=0.005) than nonAsian men. CONCLUSIONS: Asian American men are less likely to be diagnosed with clinically significant prostate cancer on targeted biopsy, illustrating the different performance of PI-RADS in this population. Conventional risk assessment tools should be modified when selecting Asian American men for biopsy.

Update of the Standard Operating Procedure on the Use of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Diagnosis, Staging and Management of Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: We update the prior standard operating procedure for magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate, and summarize the available data about the technique and clinical use for the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer. This update includes practical recommendations on the use of magnetic resonance imaging for screening, diagnosis, staging, treatment and surveillance of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A panel of clinicians from the American Urological Association and Society of Abdominal Radiology with expertise in the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer evaluated the current published literature on the use and technique of magnetic resonance imaging for this disease. When adequate studies were available for analysis, recommendations were made on the basis of data and when adequate studies were not available, recommendations were made on the basis of expert consensus. RESULTS: Prostate magnetic resonance imaging should be performed according to technical specifications and standards, and interpreted according to standard reporting. Data support its use in men with a previous negative biopsy and ongoing concerns about increased risk of prostate cancer. Sufficient data now exist to support the recommendation of magnetic resonance imaging before prostate biopsy in all men who have no history of biopsy. Currently, the evidence is insufficient to recommend magnetic resonance imaging for screening, staging or surveillance of prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Use of prostate magnetic resonance imaging in the risk stratification, diagnosis and treatment pathway of men with prostate cancer is expanding. When quality prostate imaging is obtained, current evidence now supports its use in men at risk of harboring prostate cancer and who have not undergone a previous biopsy, as well as in men with an increasing prostate specific antigen following an initial negative standard prostate biopsy procedure.

Developments in MRI-targeted prostate biopsy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: MRI-targeted prostate biopsy may be an attractive alternative to systematic biopsy for diagnosing clinically significant prostate cancer. In this narrative review, we discuss the new developments that have occurred in the advancement of MRI-targeted prostate biopsy, over the past 24 months. RECENT FINDINGS: MRI-targeted biopsy offers enhanced diagnostic accuracy, when compared with the current standard of care of systematic transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsy, by decreasing the overall number of biopsies needed, maintaining or improving significant prostate cancer detection, and reducing the detection of clinically insignificant prostate cancer. The necessity of combining systematic prostate biopsy with MRI-targeted biopsy is still debated. The use of MRI--ultrasound fusion systems for lesion-targeting is promising for optimizing significant cancer detection, but recent evidence suggests that additional cognitive biopsy cores are still useful in detecting additional cancers. SUMMARY: MRI-targeted biopsy in selected men with positive MRI offers a number of benefits over systematic biopsy in all men, and as such, may emerge as the new standard of care for the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer.

Influence of the Location and Zone of Tumor in Prostate Cancer Detection and Localization on 3-T Multiparametric MRI Based on PI-RADS Version 2.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to determine the performance of 3-T multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) for prostate cancer (PCa) detection and localization, stratified by anatomic zone and level, using Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADSv2) and whole-mount histopathology (WMHP) as reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Multiparametric MRI examinations of 415 consecutive men were compared with thin-section WMHP results. A genitourinary radiologist and pathologist collectively determined concordance. Two radiologists assigned PI-RADSv2 scores and sector location to all detected foci by consensus. Tumor detection rates were calculated for clinical and pathologic (tumor location and zone) variables. Both rigid and adjusted sector-matching models were used to account for fixation-related issues. RESULTS. Of 863 PCa foci in 16,185 prostate sectors, the detection of overall and index PCa lesions in the midgland, base, and apex was 54.9% and 83.1%, 42.1% and 64.0% (p = 0.04, p = 0.02), and 41.9% and 71.4% (p = 0.001, p = 0.006), respectively. Tumor localization sensitivity was highest in the midgland compared with the base and apex using an adjusted match compared with a rigid match (index lesions, 71.3% vs 43.7%; all lesions, 70.8% vs 36.0%) and was greater in the peripheral zone (PZ) than in the transition zone. Three-Tesla mpMRI had similarly high specificity (range, 93.8-98.3%) for overall and index tumor localization when using both rigid and adjusted sector-matching approaches. CONCLUSION. For 3-T mpMRI, the highest sensitivity (83.1%) for detection of index PCa lesions was in the midgland, with 98.3% specificity. Multiparametric MRI performance for sectoral localization of PCa within the prostate was moderate and was best for index lesions in the PZ using an adjusted model.

Multicenter Multireader Evaluation of an Artificial Intelligence-Based Attention Mapping System for the Detection of Prostate Cancer With Multiparametric MRI.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in a multicenter dataset the performance of an artificial intelligence (AI) detection system with attention mapping compared with multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) interpretation in the detection of prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS. MRI examinations from five institutions were included in this study and were evaluated by nine readers. In the first round, readers evaluated mpMRI studies using the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2. After 4 weeks, images were again presented to readers along with the AI-based detection system output. Readers accepted or rejected lesions within four AI-generated attention map boxes. Additional lesions outside of boxes were excluded from detection and categorization. The performances of readers using the mpMRI-only and AI-assisted approaches were compared. RESULTS. The study population included 152 case patients and 84 control patients with 274 pathologically proven cancer lesions. The lesion-based AUC was 74.9% for MRI and 77.5% for AI with no significant difference (p = 0.095). The sensitivity for overall detection of cancer lesions was higher for AI than for mpMRI but did not reach statistical significance (57.4% vs 53.6%, p = 0.073). However, for transition zone lesions, sensitivity was higher for AI than for MRI (61.8% vs 50.8%, p = 0.001). Reading time was longer for AI than for MRI (4.66 vs 4.03 minutes, p < 0.001). There was moderate interreader agreement for AI and MRI with no significant difference (58.7% vs 58.5%, p = 0.966). CONCLUSION. Overall sensitivity was only minimally improved by use of the AI system. Significant improvement was achieved, however, in the detection of transition zone lesions with use of the AI system at the cost of a mean of 40 seconds of additional reading time.

Components of Radiologic Progressive Disease Defined by RECIST 1.1 in Patients with Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Background Progression-free survival (PFS) determined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) is the reference standard to assess efficacy of treatments in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Purpose To assess the most common components of radiologic progressive disease as defined by RECIST 1.1 in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma and how the progression events impact PFS. Materials and Methods This secondary analysis of the phase III METEOR trial conducted between 2013 and 2014 included patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma, with at least one target lesion at baseline and one follow-up time point, who were determined according to RECIST 1.1 to have progressive disease. A chest, abdominal, and pelvic scan were acquired at each time point. Kruskal-Wallis analysis was used to test differences in median PFS among the RECIST 1.1 progression events. The Holm-Bonferroni method was used to compare the median PFS of the progression events for the family-wise error rate of 5% to adjust P values for multiple comparisons. Results Of the 395 patients (296 men, 98 women, and one patient with sex not reported; mean age, 61 years ± 10), 73 (18.5%) had progression due to non-target disease, 105 (26.6%) had new lesions, and 126 (31.9%) had progression of target lesions (defined by an increase in the sum of diameters). Patients with progression of non-target disease and those with new lesions had shorter PFS than patients with progression defined by the target lesions (median PFS, 2.8 months [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.9 months, 3.7 months] and 3.6 months [95% CI: 3.3 months, 3.7 months] vs 5.4 months [95% CI: 5.0 months, 5.5 months], respectively [P < .01]). Conclusion The most common causes for radiologic progression of renal cell carcinoma were based on non-target disease and new lesions rather than change in target lesions, despite this being considered uncommon in the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 literature. © RSNA, 2019 See also the editorial by Kuhl in this issue.

PI-RADS Steering Committee: The PI-RADS Multiparametric MRI and MRI-directed Biopsy Pathway.

High-quality evidence shows that MRI in biopsy-naive men can reduce the number of men who need prostate biopsy and can reduce the number of diagnoses of clinically insignificant cancers that are unlikely to cause harm. In men with prior negative biopsy results who remain under persistent suspicion, MRI improves the detection and localization of life-threatening prostate cancer with greater clinical utility than the current standard of care, systematic transrectal US-guided biopsy. Systematic analyses show that MRI-directed biopsy increases the effectiveness of the prostate cancer diagnosis pathway. The incorporation of MRI-directed pathways into clinical care guidelines in prostate cancer detection has begun. The widespread adoption of the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) for multiparametric MRI data acquisition, interpretation, and reporting has promoted these changes in practice. The PI-RADS MRI-directed biopsy pathway enables the delivery of key diagnostic benefits to men suspected of having cancer based on clinical suspicion. Herein, the PI-RADS Steering Committee discusses how the MRI pathway should be incorporated into routine clinical practice and the challenges in delivering the positive health impacts needed by men suspected of having clinically significant prostate cancer.

Utility of Multiparametric MRI for Predicting Residual Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer After Focal Laser Ablation.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to compare in a multireader manner the diagnostic accuracies of 3-T multiparametric MRI interpretation and serial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurement in predicting the presence of residual clinically significant prostate cancer after focal laser ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Eighteen men had undergone focal laser ablation for low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer as part of two National Cancer Institute-funded phase 1 clinical trials. Multiparametric MRI was performed immediately after and 6 and 12 months after focal laser ablation. Serial PSA measurements after focal laser ablation were recorded, and MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsy was performed 6 and 12 months after ablation and served as the reference standard. Multiparametric MRI was performed at 3 T with pelvic phased-array coils. T2-weighted, DW, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR images were retrospectively assessed by two blinded radiologists using a 3-point Likert scale (0-2). Inter-reader agreement was assessed with the Cohen kappa statistic. The diagnostic accuracies of multiparametric MRI and PSA measurement were compared. RESULTS. Residual clinically significant prostate cancer was identified in 11 of 18 (61%) men. Logistic regression analysis of serial PSA measurements yielded a correct classification rate of 61.1% (p > 0.05). Using a multiparametric MRI threshold score of 4 or greater, both radiologists made correct classifications for 16 of 18 men (89%) at 6 months and 15 of 17 men (88%) at 12 months. Interreader agreement was substantial to excellent for T2-weighted imaging, DWI, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and improved uniformly from 6 to 12 months. Logistic regression analysis of the retrospectively reviewed multiparametric MR images yielded AUCs greater than 0.90 for each radiologist 6 and 12 months after focal laser ablation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION. Multiparametric MRI 6 and 12 months after focal laser ablation significantly outperformed serial PSA measurements for predicting the presence of residual clinically significant prostate cancer.

Detection and Localization of Prostate Cancer at 3-T Multiparametric MRI Using PI-RADS Segmentation.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to determine the overall and sector-based performance of 3-T multiparametric MRI for prostate cancer (PCa) detection and localization by using Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADSv2) scoring and segmentation compared with whole-mount histopathologic analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Multiparametric 3-T MRI examinations of 415 consecutive men were compared with thin-section whole-mount histopathologic analysis. A genitourinary radiologist and pathologist collectively determined concordance. Two radiologists assigned PI-RADSv2 categories and sectoral location to all detected foci by consensus. Tumor detection rates were calculated for clinical and pathologic (Gleason score) variables. Both rigid and adjusted sector-matching models were used to account for fixation-related issues. RESULTS. The 415 patients had 863 PCa foci (52.7% had a Gleason score ≥ 7, 61.9% were ≥ 1 cm, and 90.4% (375/415) of index lesions were ≥ 1 cm) and 16,185 prostate sectors. Multiparametric MRI enabled greater detection of PCa lesions 1 cm or larger (all lesions vs index lesions, 61.6% vs 81.6%), lesions with Gleason score greater than or equal to 7 (all lesions vs index lesions, 71.4% vs 80.9%), and index lesions with both Gleason score greater than or equal to 7 and size 1 cm or larger (83.3%). Higher sensitivity was obtained for adjusted versus rigid tumor localization for all lesions (56.0% vs 28.5%), index lesions (55.4% vs 34.3%), lesions with Gleason score greater than or equal to 7 (55.7% vs 36.0%), and index lesions 1 cm or larger (56.1% vs 35.0%). Multiparametric 3-T MRI had similarly high specificity (96.0-97.9%) for overall and index tumor localization with adjusted and rigid sector-matching approaches. CONCLUSION. Using 3-T multiparametric MRI and PI-RADSv2, we achieved the highest sensitivity (83.3%) for the detection of lesions 1 cm or larger with Gleason score greater than or equal to 7. Sectoral localization of PCa within the prostate was moderate and was better with an adjusted model than with a rigid model.