PI-QUAL version 2: an update of a standardised scoring system for the assessment of image quality of prostate MRI.

Multiparametric MRI is the optimal primary investigation when prostate cancer is suspected, and its ability to rule in and rule out clinically significant disease relies on high-quality anatomical and functional images. Avenues for achieving consistent high-quality acquisitions include meticulous patient preparation, scanner setup, optimised pulse sequences, personnel training, and artificial intelligence systems. The impact of these interventions on the final images needs to be quantified. The prostate imaging quality (PI-QUAL) scoring system was the first standardised quantification method that demonstrated the potential for clinical benefit by relating image quality to cancer detection ability by MRI. We present the updated version of PI-QUAL (PI-QUAL v2) which applies to prostate MRI performed with or without intravenous contrast medium using a simplified 3-point scale focused on critical technical and qualitative image parameters. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: High image quality is crucial for prostate MRI, and the updated version of the PI-QUAL score (PI-QUAL v2) aims to address the limitations of version 1. It is now applicable to both multiparametric MRI and MRI without intravenous contrast medium. KEY POINTS: High-quality images are essential for prostate cancer diagnosis and management using MRI. PI-QUAL v2 simplifies image assessment and expands its applicability to prostate MRI without contrast medium. PI-QUAL v2 focuses on critical technical and qualitative image parameters and emphasises T2-WI and DWI.

Comparison of contrast-enhanced CT, dual-layer detector spectral CT, and whole-body MRI in suspected metastatic breast cancer: a prospective diagnostic accuracy study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced CT, dual-layer detector spectral CT (DL-CT), and whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) for diagnosing metastatic breast cancer. METHODS: One hundred eighty-two biopsy-verified breast cancer patients suspected of metastatic disease prospectively underwent contrast-enhanced DL-CT and WB-MRI. Two radiologists read the CT examinations with and without spectral data in consensus with 3-month washout between readings. Two other radiologists read the WB-MRI examinations in consensus. Lymph nodes, visceral lesions, and bone lesions were assessed. Readers were blinded to other test results. Reference standard was histopathology, previous or follow-up imaging, and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Per-lesion AUC was 0.80, 0.84, and 0.82 (CT, DL-CT, and WB-MRI, respectively). DL-CT showed significantly higher AUC than CT (p = 0.001) and WB-MRI (p = 0.02). Sensitivity and specificity of CT, DL-CT, and WB-MRI were 0.66 and 0.94, 0.75 and 0.95, and 0.65 and 0.98, respectively. DL-CT significantly improved sensitivity compared to CT (p < 0.0001) and WB-MRI (p = 0.002). Per-patient AUC was 0.85, 0.90, and 0.92 (CT, DL-CT, and WB-MRI, respectively). DL-CT and WB-MRI had significantly higher AUC than CT (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03). DL-CT significantly increased sensitivity compared to CT (0.89 vs. 0.79, p = 0.04). WB-MRI had significantly higher specificity than CT (0.84 vs. 0.96, p = 0.001) and DL-CT (0.87 vs. 0.96, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: DL-CT showed significantly higher per-lesion diagnostic performance and sensitivity than CT and WB-MRI. On a per-patient basis, DL-CT and WB-MRI had equal diagnostic performance superior to CT. KEY POINTS: • Spectral CT has higher diagnostic performance for diagnosing breast cancer metastases compared to conventional CT and whole-body MRI on a per-lesion basis. • Spectral CT and whole-body MRI are superior to conventional CT for diagnosing patients with metastatic breast cancer. • Whole-body MRI is superior to conventional CT and spectral CT for diagnosing bone metastases.

ESUR/ESUI position paper: developing artificial intelligence for precision diagnosis of prostate cancer using magnetic resonance imaging.

Artificial intelligence developments are essential to the successful deployment of community-wide, MRI-driven prostate cancer diagnosis. AI systems should ensure that the main benefits of biopsy avoidance are delivered while maintaining consistent high specificities, at a range of disease prevalences. Since all current artificial intelligence / computer-aided detection systems for prostate cancer detection are experimental, multiple developmental efforts are still needed to bring the vision to fruition. Initial work needs to focus on developing systems as diagnostic supporting aids so their results can be integrated into the radiologists' workflow including gland and target outlining tasks for fusion biopsies. Developing AI systems as clinical decision-making tools will require greater efforts. The latter encompass larger multicentric, multivendor datasets where the different needs of patients stratified by diagnostic settings, disease prevalence, patient preference, and clinical setting are considered. AI-based, robust, standard operating procedures will increase the confidence of patients and payers, thus enabling the wider adoption of the MRI-directed approach for prostate cancer diagnosis. KEY POINTS: • AI systems need to ensure that the benefits of biopsy avoidance are delivered with consistent high specificities, at a range of disease prevalence. • Initial work has focused on developing systems as diagnostic supporting aids for outlining tasks, so they can be integrated into the radiologists' workflow to support MRI-directed biopsies. • Decision support tools require a larger body of work including multicentric, multivendor studies where the clinical needs, disease prevalence, patient preferences, and clinical setting are additionally defined.

ESUR/ESUI consensus statements on multi-parametric MRI for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer: quality requirements for image acquisition, interpretation and radiologists' training.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to define consensus-based criteria for acquiring and reporting prostate MRI and establishing prerequisites for image quality. METHODS: A total of 44 leading urologists and urogenital radiologists who are experts in prostate cancer imaging from the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) and EAU Section of Urologic Imaging (ESUI) participated in a Delphi consensus process. Panellists completed two rounds of questionnaires with 55 items under three headings: image quality assessment, interpretation and reporting, and radiologists' experience plus training centres. Of 55 questions, 31 were rated for agreement on a 9-point scale, and 24 were multiple-choice or open. For agreement items, there was consensus agreement with an agreement ≥ 70% (score 7-9) and disagreement of ≤ 15% of the panellists. For the other questions, a consensus was considered with ≥ 50% of votes. RESULTS: Twenty-four out of 31 of agreement items and 11/16 of other questions reached consensus. Agreement statements were (1) reporting of image quality should be performed and implemented into clinical practice; (2) for interpretation performance, radiologists should use self-performance tests with histopathology feedback, compare their interpretation with expert-reading and use external performance assessments; and (3) radiologists must attend theoretical and hands-on courses before interpreting prostate MRI. Limitations are that the results are expert opinions and not based on systematic reviews or meta-analyses. There was no consensus on outcomes statements of prostate MRI assessment as quality marker. CONCLUSIONS: An ESUR and ESUI expert panel showed high agreement (74%) on issues improving prostate MRI quality. Checking and reporting of image quality are mandatory. Prostate radiologists should attend theoretical and hands-on courses, followed by supervised education, and must perform regular performance assessments. KEY POINTS: • Multi-parametric MRI in the diagnostic pathway of prostate cancer has a well-established upfront role in the recently updated European Association of Urology guideline and American Urological Association recommendations. • Suboptimal image acquisition and reporting at an individual level will result in clinicians losing confidence in the technique and returning to the (non-MRI) systematic biopsy pathway. Therefore, it is crucial to establish quality criteria for the acquisition and reporting of mpMRI. • To ensure high-quality prostate MRI, experts consider checking and reporting of image quality mandatory. Prostate radiologists must attend theoretical and hands-on courses, followed by supervised education, and must perform regular self- and external performance assessments.

The primacy of multiparametric MRI in men with suspected prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) became recognised in investigating those with suspected prostate cancer between 2010 and 2012; in the USA, the preventative task force moratorium on PSA screening was a strong catalyst. In a few short years, it has been adopted into daily urological and oncological practice. The pace of clinical uptake, born along by countless papers proclaiming high accuracy in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer, has sparked much debate about the timing of mpMRI within the traditional biopsy-driven clinical pathways. There are strongly held opposing views on using mpMRI as a triage test regarding the need for biopsy and/or guiding the biopsy pattern. OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence base and present a position paper on the role of mpMRI in the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer. METHODS: A subgroup of experts from the ESUR Prostate MRI Working Group conducted literature review and face to face and electronic exchanges to draw up a position statement. RESULTS: This paper considers diagnostic strategies for clinically significant prostate cancer; current national and international guidance; the impact of pre-biopsy mpMRI in detection of clinically significant and clinically insignificant neoplasms; the impact of pre-biopsy mpMRI on biopsy strategies and targeting; the notion of mpMRI within a wider risk evaluation on a patient by patient basis; the problems that beset mpMRI including inter-observer variability. CONCLUSIONS: The paper concludes with a set of suggestions for using mpMRI to influence who to biopsy and who not to biopsy at diagnosis. KEY POINTS: • Adopt mpMRI as the first, and primary, investigation in the workup of men with suspected prostate cancer. • PI-RADS assessment categories 1 and 2 have a high negative predictive value in excluding significant disease, and systematic biopsy may be postponed, especially in men with low-risk of disease following additional risk stratification. • PI-RADS assessment category lesions 4 and 5 should be targeted; PI-RADS assessment category lesion 3 may be biopsied as a target, as part of systematic biopsies or may be observed depending on risk stratification.

68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT in comparison with 18F-fluoride-PET/CT and whole-body MRI for the detection of bone metastases in patients with prostate cancer: a prospective diagnostic accuracy study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of 68gallium prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-based positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in comparison with 18F-fluoride-based PET/CT (NaF-PET/CT) and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) for the detection of bone metastases in patients with prostate cancer. METHODS: Sixty patients with prostate cancer were included in the period May 2016 to June 2017. The participants underwent three scans (index tests) within 30 days: a NaF-PET/CT, a WB-MRI and a PSMA-PET/CT. Experienced specialists assessed the scans. In the absence of a histological reference standard, the final diagnosis was determined as a panel diagnosis. Measures of the diagnostic performances of the index tests were calculated from patient-based dichotomous outcomes (0 or ≥ 1 bone metastasis) and pairwise compared (McNemar test). For each index test, the agreement with the final diagnosis with regard to the number of bone metastases detected (0, 1-5, > 5) and the inter-reader agreement was calculated (kappa coefficients). RESULTS: Fifty-five patients constituted the final study population; 20 patients (36%) were classified as having bone metastatic disease as their final diagnosis. The patient-based diagnostic performances were (sensitivity, specificity, overall accuracy) PSMA-PET/CT (100%, 100%, 100%), NaF-PET/CT (95%, 97%, 96%) and WB-MRI (80%, 83%, 82%). The overall accuracy of PSMA-PET/CT was significantly more favourable compared to WB-MRI (p = 0.004), but not to NaF-PET/CT (p = 0.48). PSMA-PET/CT classified the number of bone metastases reliably compared to the final diagnosis (kappa coefficient 0.97) and with an "almost perfect" inter-reader agreement (kappa coefficient 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: The overall accuracy of PSMA-PET/CT was significantly more advantageous compared to WB-MRI, but not to NaF-PET/CT. KEY POINTS: • PSMA-PET/CT assessed the presence of bone metastases correctly in all 55 patients • PSMA-PET/CT was more advantageous compared to WB-MRI • No difference was found between PSMA-PET/CT and NaF-PET/CT.

Multiparametric MRI in men with clinical suspicion of prostate cancer undergoing repeat biopsy: a prospective comparison with clinical findings and histopathology.

Background Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) can improve detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). Purpose To compare mpMRI score subgroups to systematic transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies (TRUSbx) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based findings for detection of csPCa in men undergoing repeat biopsies. Material and Methods MpMRI was performed prior to re-biopsy in 289 prospectively enrolled patients. All underwent repeat TRUSbx followed by targeted biopsies (MRITB) of any mpMRI-identified lesion. MpMRI suspicion grade, PSA level, and density (PSAd) were compared with biopsy results and further matched to the radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen if available. Results PCa was detected in 128/289 (44%) patients with median age, PSA, and prior negative TRUSbx of 64 (interquartile range [IQR] = 59-67), 12.0 ng/mL (IQR = 8.3-19.1), and 2 (IQR = 1-3), respectively. TRUSbx detected PCa in 108/289 (37%) patients, of which 49 (45%) had insignificant cancer. MRITB was performed in 271/289 (94%) patients and detected PCa in 96 (35%) with 78 (81%) having csPCa. MpMRI scores showed a high association between suspicion level and biopsy results on both lesion and patient level ( P < 0.001). MpMRI was better than PSA and PSAd ( P < 0.001) to identify patients with missed csPCa. In total, 64/128 (50%) patients underwent RP; 60/64 had csPCa. MpMRI was significantly better in predicting csPCa on RP compared with TRUSbx ( P = 0.019) as MRITB and TRUSbx correctly identified 47/60 (78%) and 35/60 (58%) patients, respectively. Conclusion MpMRI improves detection of missed csPCa and suspicion scores correlate well with biopsy and RP results on both patient and lesion level.

Clinical Outcome Following Low Suspicion Multiparametric Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging or Benign Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guided Biopsy to Detect Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: We assessed the risk of significant prostate cancer being detected after low suspicion magnetic resonance imaging or suspicious magnetic resonance imaging with benign magnetic resonance imaging guided biopsies in men with prior negative systematic biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall 289 prospectively enrolled men underwent magnetic resonance imaging followed by repeat systematic and targeted biopsies of any suspicious lesions at baseline. A total of 194 patients with low suspicion magnetic resonance imaging or benign target biopsies were suitable for this study. Those who were negative for prostate cancer at baseline were followed for at least 3 years. We calculated the negative predictive values of magnetic resonance imaging in ruling out any prostate cancer and significant prostate cancer, defined as any core with Gleason score greater than 6, or more than 2 positive cores/cancerous core 50% or greater. RESULTS: Prostate cancer was detected in 38 of 194 (20%) patients during the median study period of 47 months (IQR 43-52). The overall negative predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging in ruling out any and significant prostate cancer was 80% (156 of 194) and 95% (184 of 194), respectively. No patient with low suspicion magnetic resonance imaging had intermediate/high grade cancer (Gleason score greater than 6). The majority of patients with no cancer during followup (132 of 156, 85%) had a decreasing prostate specific antigen and could be monitored in primary care. CONCLUSIONS: Low suspicion magnetic resonance imaging in men with prior negative systematic biopsies has a high negative predictive value in ruling out longer term, significant cancer. Therefore, immediate repeat biopsies are of limited clinical value and could be avoided even if prostate specific antigen is persistently increased.

Comparison of four MRI protocols for detection of extrahepatic colorectal cancer metastases.

PURPOSE: To compare three magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols containing diffusion-weighted imaging with background suppression (DWIBS) and one traditional protocol for detecting extrahepatic colorectal cancer metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with extrahepatic colorectal cancer metastases were scanned in three stations from the skull base to the upper thighs using a 1.5T MRI system with six different MRI sequences; transverse and coronal T2 -weighted (T2 W) turbo spin-echo (TSE), coronal short tau inversion recovery (STIR), 3D T1 W TSE, DWIBS, and a contrast-enhanced T1 W 3D gradient echo (GRE) sequence. The six sequences were used to build four hypothetical MRI interpretive sets which were read by two readers in consensus, blinded to prior imaging. Lesions were categorized into 13 anatomic regions. Fluorodeoxyglucose / positron emission tomography / computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) read with full access to prior imaging and clinical records was used as the reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, and false discovery rate (FDR) were calculated as appropriate and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed. RESULTS: In all, 177 malignant lesions were detected by FDG-PET/CT and distributed in 92 out of 390 scanned anatomic regions. The sensitivity was statistically higher in two out of three sets incorporating DWIBS on a per-lesion basis (66.7%, 63.3%, and 66.7% vs. 57.6%) (P = 0.01, P = 0.11, and P = 0.01, respectively) and in all sets incorporating DWIBS on a per-region basis (75.0%, 75.0%, and 77.2 vs. 66.3%) (P = 0.04, P = 0.04, and P = 0.01, respectively). There was no difference in specificity, FDR, or AUCROC . There was no difference between sets containing DWIBS irrespective of the use of a contrast-enhanced sequence. CONCLUSION: MRI sets containing DWIBS had superior sensitivity. This sensitivity was retained when omitting a contrast-enhanced sequence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1619-1630.

A Prospective Comparison of Selective Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Fusion-Targeted and Systematic Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Biopsies for Detecting Prostate Cancer in Men Undergoing Repeated Biopsies.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to compare the prostate cancer (PCa) detection rate of systematic transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies (TRUS-bx) and multiparametric-MRI targeted biopsies (mp-MRI-bx) in a repeat biopsy setting and evaluate the clinical significance following an "MRI-targeted-only" approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with prior negative biopsies underwent prostatic multiparametric-MRI that was scored using the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) classification. All underwent both repeated TRUS-bx and mp-MRI-bx using image fusion of any PI-RADS ≥3 lesion. Biopsy results from TRUS-bx, mp-MRI-bx, and the combination were compared. RESULTS: PCa was detected in 89 out of 206 (43%) patients. Of these, 64 (31%) and 74 (36%) patients were detected using mp-MRI-bx and TRUS-bx, respectively. Overall, mp-MRI-bx detected fewer patients with low-grade (Gleason score [GS] 3 + 3) cancers (14/64 vs. 41/74) and more patients with intermediate/high-grade cancers (GS ≥3 + 4) (50/64 vs. 33/74) using fewer biopsy cores compared with TRUS-bx (p < 0.001). Using an "MRI-targeted-only" approach in men with PI-RADS ≥3 lesions reduced the number of men requiring repeated biopsies by 50%, decreased low-grade cancer diagnoses by 66%, and increased intermediate/high-grade cancer diagnoses by 52%. CONCLUSIONS: MRI-targeted biopsies have a high detection rate for significant PCa in patients with prior negative transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies and preferentially detect intermediate/high-grade compared with low-grade tumors.

Apparent diffusion coefficient ratio correlates significantly with prostate cancer gleason score at final pathology.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between apparent diffusion coefficient measurements (ADCtumor and ADCratio ) and the Gleason score from radical prostatectomy specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients with clinically localized prostate cancer scheduled for radical prostatectomy were prospectively enrolled. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed prior to prostatectomy and mean ADC values from both cancerous (ADCtumor ) and benign (ADCbenign ) tissue were measured to calculate the ADCratio (ADCtumor divided by ADCbenign ). The ADC measurements were correlated with the Gleason score from the prostatectomy specimens. RESULTS: The association between ADC measurements and Gleason score showed a significant negative correlation (P < 0.001) with Spearman's rho for ADCtumor (-0.421) and ADCratio (-0.649). There was a statistically significant difference between ADC measurements and the Gleason score for all tumors (P = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed an overall area under the curve (AUC) of 0.73 (ADCtumor ) to 0.80 (ADCratio ) in discriminating Gleason score 6 from Gleason score ≥7 tumors. The AUC changed to 0.72 (ADCtumor ) and 0.90 (ADCratio ) when discriminating Gleason score ≤7(3+4) from Gleason score ≥7(4+3). CONCLUSION: ADC measurements showed a significant correlation with tumor Gleason score at final pathology. The ADCratio demonstrated the best correlation compared to the ADCtumor value and radically improved accuracy in discriminating Gleason score ≤7(3+4) from Gleason score ≥7(4+3) tumors.

Prostate cancer staging with extracapsular extension risk scoring using multiparametric MRI: a correlation with histopathology.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of preoperative multiparametric MRI with extracapsular extension (ECE) risk-scoring in the assessment of prostate cancer tumour stage (T-stage) and prediction of ECE at final pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-seven patients with clinically localised prostate cancer scheduled for radical prostatectomy were prospectively enrolled. Multiparametric MRI was performed prior to prostatectomy, and evaluated according to the ESUR MR prostate guidelines by two different readers. An MRI clinical T-stage (cTMRI), an ECE risk score, and suspicion of ECE based on tumour characteristics and personal opinion were assigned. Histopathological prostatectomy results were standard reference. RESULTS: Histopathology and cTMRI showed a spearman rho correlation of 0.658 (p < 0.001) and a weighted kappa = 0.585 [CI 0.44;0.73](reader A). ECE was present in 31/87 (36 %) patients. ECE risk-scoring showed an AUC of 0.65-0.86 on ROC-curve for both readers, with sensitivity and specificity of 81 % and 78 % at best cutoff level (reader A), respectively. When tumour characteristics were influenced by personal opinion, the sensitivity and specificity for prediction of ECE changed to 61 %-74 % and 77 %-88 % for the readers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Multiparametric MRI with ECE risk-scoring is an accurate diagnostic technique in determining prostate cancer clinical tumour stage and ECE at final pathology. KEY POINTS: • Multiparametric MRI is an accurate diagnostic technique for preoperative prostate cancer staging • ECE risk scoring predicts extracapsular tumour extension at final pathology • ECE risk scoring shows an AUC of 0.86 on the ROC-curve • ECE risk scoring shows a moderate inter-reader agreement (K = 0.45) • Multiparametric MRI provides essential knowledge for optimal clinical management.

Plain magnetic resonance imaging as an alternative in evaluating inflammation and bowel damage in inflammatory bowel disease--a prospective comparison with conventional magnetic resonance follow-through.

OBJECTIVE: To compare prospectively the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without use of contrast medium orally or intravenously (plain MRI) with magnetic resonance follow-through (MRFT) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Plain MRI was carried out in addition to MRFT, to which the patients were referred. All patients underwent both examinations on the same day. For the evaluation, the bowel was divided into nine segments. Two radiologists, blinded to clinical findings, evaluated bowel wall thickness, diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), and other inflammatory changes in each bowel segments. Further, hyperenhancement of the bowel was also evaluated in MRFT. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients (40 males and 60 females; median age: 38.5; range: 19-90) were enrolled; 44 with Crohn's disease (CD), 25 with ulcerative colitis (UC), 24 with IBD unclassified (IBD-U), and 7 had other diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in CD ranged 50-86%, 93-94%, and 91-92% for wall thickening and 49-82%, 85-93%, and 84-89% for DWI, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in UC range 0-40%, 87-100%, and 80-100% for wall thickening and 0-52%, 83-94% and 76-92% for DWI, respectively. The κ values for bowel wall thickening, DWI, and mural hyperenhancement were detected with fair agreement (κ = 0.26-0.39) at both MRI examinations, whereas only bowel wall thickening in MRFT were detected with moderate agreement (κ = 0.47) Conclusion. Plain MRI cannot currently replace MRFT in the workup of patients with IBD. Further research on plain MRI is needed to improve the protocol.

Office-based Magnetic Resonance Imaging-guided Transperineal Prostate Biopsy Without Antibiotic Prophylaxis: A Real-world Clinical Utility Study.

Background and objective: Advances in for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided transperineal biopsy (TPBx) techniques have facilitated outpatient prostate biopsies under local anaesthesia to lower postbiopsy infection rates. However, there is debate regarding antibiotic prophylaxis because of concerns regarding antibiotic resistance and interactions. Our objective was to assess the transition from office-based transrectal biopsy to TPBx performed under local anaesthesia without antibiotic prophylaxis despite potential risk factors for infectious complications. Methods: We conducted a prospective assessment of 665 men undergoing office-based MRI-guided TPBx. The primary outcome was the rate of urosepsis or febrile urinary tract infections requiring hospitalisation and/or antibiotics within 2 wk after biopsy. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported procedure tolerability and the prostate cancer detection rate. Key findings and limitations: TPBx using a median of nine cores per patient (range 4-15) detected prostate cancer in 534/665 men (80%). Only four men (0.6%) were hospitalised for suspected postbiopsy infection; no patient experienced urosepsis. The TPBx procedure was well tolerated, with low pain scores (median Visual Analogue Scale score of 2, interquartile range [IQR] 1-3) and positive patient ratings (median rating 1 [no problem], IQR 1-2). Limitations include the single-centre analysis and lack of randomisation for antibiotic prophylaxis. Conclusions and clinical implications: An office-based TPBx strategy under local anaesthesia without antibiotic prophylaxis is well tolerated and has a very low risk of side effects. This approach should be considered as the standard of care. Further studies may determine if a subgroup of predisposed men could benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis. Patient summary: For prostate biopsy the sampling needle can be inserted through the rectum or through the perineum, which is the skin between the rectum and the scrotum. Our study confirms that in everyday clinical practice, prostate biopsy via the perineum can be carried out under local anaesthetic and without routine use of antibiotics because of its lower risk of infection. Patients reported low pain scores and positive ratings for the overall experience.

Interactive training workshop to improve prostate mpMRI knowledge: results from the ESOR Nicholas Gourtsoyiannis teaching fellowship.

PURPOSE: Prostate MRI is established for the investigation of patients presenting with suspected early prostate cancer. Outcomes are dependent on both image quality and interpretation. This study assessed the impact of an educational intervention on participants' theoretical knowledge of the technique. METHODS: Eighty-one clinicians from two centers with varying experience in prostate MRI participated. Baseline knowledge was assessed with 10 written and image-based multiple-choice questions (MCQs) prior to a course including didactic lectures and hands-on interactive workshops on prostate MRI interpretation. Post-course, participants completed a second 10-question MCQ test, matched by format, themes, and difficulty, to assess for any improvement in knowledge and performance. Results were assessed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired data. RESULTS: Thirty-nine participants, including 25/49 (51.0%) and 14/32 (43.8%) at each center completed both assessments, with their results used for subsequent evaluation. Overall, there was a significant improvement from pre- (4.92 ± 2.41) to post-course scores (6.77 ± 1.46), p < 0.001 and at both Copenhagen (5.92 ± 2.25 to 7.36 ± 1.25) and Toronto (3.14 ± 1.51 to 5.71 ± 1.20); p = 0.005 and p = 0.002, respectively. Participants with no prostate MRI experience showed the greatest improvement (3.77 ± 1.97 to 6.18 ± 1.5, p < 0.001), followed by intermediate level (< 500 MRIs reported) experience (6.18 ± 1.99 to 7.46 ± 1.13, p = 0.058), then advanced (> 500 MRIs reported) experience (6.83 ± 2.48 to 7.67 ± 0.82, p = 0.339). CONCLUSIONS: A dedicated prostate MRI teaching course combining didactic lectures and hands-on workshops significantly improved short-term theoretical knowledge of the technique for clinicians with differing levels of experience. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: A dedicated teaching course significantly improved theoretical knowledge of the technique particularly for clinicians with less reporting experience and a lower baseline knowledge. The multiple-choice questions format mapped improved performance and may be considered as part of future MRI certification initiatives. KEY POINTS: • Prostate MRI knowledge is important for image interpretation and optimizing acquisition sequences. • A dedicated teaching course significantly improved theoretical knowledge of the technique. • Improved performance was more apparent in clinicians with less reporting experience and a lower baseline knowledge.

Comparison of PSA density and lesion volume strategies for selecting men with equivocal PI-RADS 3 lesions on bpMRI for biopsies.

PURPOSE: To compare two strategies: Prostate-specific antigen density (PSAd) and lesion volume measurement in ruling out significant prostate cancer (sPCa) in men with equivocal Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) category 3 index lesions on biparametric magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: In total, 130 men from our database had index lesions with PI-RADS scores of 3. Prostate volume was measured using the ellipsoid method, in accordance with PI-RADS version 2.1 criteria. Index lesion volumes were also measured using the ellipsoidal formula on the diffusion-weighted imaging sequence with the highest b-value and sagittal T2 sequences. RESULTS: Among 130 men with PI-RADS category 3 index lesions, 23 (18%) had sPCa. In total, 6 of the 89 men with PSAd < 0.15 ng/mL2 (7%) had sPCa, whereas 8 of the 49 men with index lesion volumes < 0.5 mL (16%) had sPCa. The difference was statistically significant (McNemar, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The PSAd strategy performed better than the lesion volume strategy in ruling out sPCa in men with equivocal PI-RADS category 3 index lesions.

Quantification of cross-vendor variation in ADC measurements in vendor-specific prostate MRI-protocols.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the variability of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) and test if there were statistically significant differences in ADC between MRI systems and sequences. METHOD: With a two-chamber cylindrical ADC phantom with fixed ADC values (1,000 and 1,600x10-6 mm2/s) a single-shot (ss) Echo Planar Imaging (EPI), a multi-shot EPI, a reduced field of view DWI (zoom) and a Turbo Spin Echo DWI sequence were tested in six MRI systems from three vendors at 1.5 T and 3 T. Technical parameters were according to Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System Version 2.1. ADC maps were calculated by vendor specific algorithms. Absolute and relative differences in ADC from the phantom-ADC were calculated and differences between sequences were tested. RESULTS: At 3 T absolute differences from phantom given ADC (∼1,000 and âˆ¼ 1,600x10-6 mm2/s) were -83 - 42x10-6 mm2/s (-8.3%-4.2%) and -48 - 15x10-6 mm2/s (-3%-0.9%), respectively and at 1.5 T absolute differences were -81 - 26x10-6 mm2/s (-2.6%-8.1%) and -74 - 67x10-6 mm2/s (-4.6%-4.2%), respectively. Significant statistical differences in ADC measurements were identified between vendors in all sequences except for ssEPI and zoom at 3 T in the 1,600x10-6 mm2/s phantom chamber. Significant differences were also identified between ADC measurements at 1.5 T and 3 T in some of the sequences and vendors, but not all. CONCLUSION: The variation of ADC between different MRI systems and prostate specific DWI sequences is limited in this phantom study and without apparent clinical relevance. However, prospective multicenter studies of prostate cancer patients are needed for further investigation.

Intense PSMA Uptake in a Vertebral Hemangioma Mimicking a Solitary Bone Metastasis in the Primary Staging of Prostate Cancer via 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT.

A 78-year-old man with newly diagnosed high-risk prostate cancer underwent 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT for primary staging. This showed a single, very intense PSMA uptake in the vertebral body of Th2, without discrete morphological changes on low-dose CT. Thus, the patient was considered oligometastatic and underwent MRI of the spine for stereotactic radiotherapy planning. MRI demonstrated an atypical hemangioma in Th2. A bone algorithm CT scan confirmed the MRI findings. The treatment was changed, and the patient underwent a prostatectomy with no concomitant therapy. At three and six months after the prostatectomy, the patient had an unmeasurable PSA level, confirming the benign etiology of the lesion.

Can whole-body MRI replace CT in management of metastatic testicular cancer? A prospective, non-inferiority study.

PURPOSE: Concerns of imaging-related radiation exposure in young patients with high survival rates have increased the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in testicular cancer (TC) stage I. However, computed tomography (CT) is still preferred for metastatic TC. The purpose of this study was to compare whole-body MRI incl. diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression (DWIBS) with contrast-enhanced, thoracoabdominal CT in metastatic TC. METHODS: A prospective, non-inferiority study of 84 consecutive patients (median age 33 years) with newly diagnosed metastatic TC (February 2018-January 2021). Patients had both MRI and CT before and after treatment. Anonymised images were reviewed by experienced radiologists. Lesion malignancy was evaluated on a Likert scale (1 benign-4 malignant). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated on patient and lesion level. The primary outcome was demonstrating non-inferiority regarding sensitivity of MRI compared to CT. The non-inferiority margin was set at 5%. ROC curves and interobserver agreement were calculated. RESULTS: On patient level, MRI had 98% sensitivity and 75% specificity compared to CT. On lesion level within each modality, MRI had 99% sensitivity and 78% specificity, whereas CT had 98% sensitivity and 88% specificity. MRI sensitivity was non-inferior to CT (difference 0.57% (95% CI - 1.4-2.5%)). The interobserver agreement was substantial between CT and MRI. CONCLUSION: MRI with DWIBS was non-inferior to contrast-enhanced CT in detecting metastatic TC disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov NCT03436901, finished July 1st 2021.