Multi-parametric MRI findings of granulomatous prostatitis developing after intravesical bacillus calmette-guérin therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) findings in patients with biopsy-proven granulomatous prostatitis and prior Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) exposure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI was performed in six patients with pathologically proven granulomatous prostatitis and a prior history of bladder cancer treated with intravesical BCG therapy. Multi-parametric prostate MRI images were recorded on a GE 750W or Philips Achieva 3.0 Tesla MRI scanner with high-resolution, small-field-of-view imaging consisting of axial T2, axial T1, coronal T2, sagittal T2, axial multiple b-value diffusion (multiple values up to 1200 or 1400), and dynamic contrast-enhanced 3D axial T1 with fat suppression sequence. RESULTS: Two different patterns of MR findings were observed. Five of the six patients had a low mean ADC value <1000 (decreased signal on ADC map images) and isointense signal on high-b-value imaging (b = 1200 or 1400), consistent with nonspecific granulomatous prostatitis. The other pattern seen in one of the six patients was decreased signal on the ADC map images with increased signal on the high-b-value sequence, revealing true restricted diffusion indistinguishable from aggressive prostate cancer. This patient had biopsy-confirmed acute BCG prostatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that patients with known BCG exposure and PI-RADS v2 scores ≤3, showing similar mpMRI findings as demonstrated, may not require prostate biopsy.

In-bore magnetic resonance-guided transrectal biopsy for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and efficacy of in-bore magnetic resonance-guided prostate biopsy (MRGB) for detection of clinically significant disease (CSD) in untreated men with known or suspected prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: 512 patients underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (Mp-MRI) followed by MRGB at one of three centers in this IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant, retrospective study. Exclusion criteria were prior prostate cancer therapy and incomplete Mp-MRI (n = 51). Patients (n = 461) were analyzed in two subcohorts: no prior PCa (NP) (n = 381) and active surveillance (AS) (n = 80). Detection rates of PCa and CSD (Gleason Score ≥3 + 4) were calculated and compared among subcohorts and by Mp-MRI assessment grade. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors for detection of PCa and CSD. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 66 years, median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 7.5 ng/mL, and median prostate volume was 54 cc. A mean of 1.7 targets was sampled per gland. Significant adverse events (urosepsis and hematuria with obstruction) occurred in 1% (5/461). Overall PCa detection rates were 51% per patient (233/461) and 37% per lesion (282/757). 65% (151/233) of men with detected PCa had CSD. Per-patient PCa detection rates in the NP and AS subcohorts were 47% (178/381) and 69% (55/80), respectively, significantly higher in the AS group (p < 0.001). CSD was detected in 10% (47/451), 43% (96/225) and 84% (68/81) of lesions with Mp-MRI assessment grades of 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Older age, higher PSA, and lower prostate volume predicted MRGB detection of CSD (OR 1.07 and p = 0.003, OR 1.1 and p = 0.014, and OR 0.98 and p = 0.032, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In-bore MRGB is safe and high yield for detection of CSD.

Skeletal and extraskeletal manifestations of mixed alpha and beta thalassemia.

A 33-year-old male with known thalassemia intermedia presented with acute mid-back pain. Radiography and MRI were useful to evaluate the extent of iron deposition and assess for complications (such as cirrhosis) of the disease.

Junctional disc herniation syndrome in post spinal fusion treated with endoscopic spine surgery.

Fusions of the cervical and lumbar spine are often followed within months or several years by protrusion of discs at the adjacent level or levels. Biomechanical alterations and mobility lost at the fused levels are thought to be transferring the stress to the adjacent segments or discs, which results in accelerated degeneration of the discs and causes disc protrusion. This post-spinal fusion "junctional disc herniation syndrome" (JDHS), or the post-spinal fusion "adjacent segment disease (ASD)" can occur from 15% to 52% of post-spinal fusion, in both superior and/or inferior adjacent levels. The ways in which endoscopic minimally invasive spinal discectomy procedure can be used to treat this JDHS and preserve spinal segmental motion are discussed herein. Also, case illustrations are presented.