Prostate MRI

A vital tool in Men's Health & Wellness

Prostate MRI is a crucial tool for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective management of prostate conditions, playing a vital role in promoting men's health and well-being. ZP’s dedicated Body Imaging team consists of fellowship trained radiologists and dedicated technologists who specialize in imaging the prostate. We provide a variety of MRI units to fit your needs, including Wide Bore MRI (3T and 1.5T), Open Sided MRI, and the new metal reduction MRI for patients with metal implanted devices.

What is Prostate MRI & How Does it Work?

Prostate MRI is an advanced imaging technique that uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create detailed images of the prostate gland and surrounding tissues. By employing strong magnetic fields and radio waves, it provides a non-invasive and highly accurate method to visualize the prostate in multiple planes. Typically, a high-resolution MRI scanner is used to capture these images, often enhanced with a technique called multiparametric MRI (mpMRI). This approach combines anatomical imaging with functional techniques, such as diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast enhancement, to better differentiate between normal and abnormal tissues.

What are the Benefits of a Prostate MRI using High-Field MRI Technology?

High-field MRI systems, such as 3 Tesla (3T) scanners, offer superior image clarity and resolution compared to lower-field MRI systems. This increased detail helps radiologists detect even small or subtle abnormalities within the prostate, improving diagnostic accuracy. High-field MRI also reduces the time required for imaging, providing a more comfortable experience for patients. Additionally, this technology minimizes the need for invasive procedures, such as biopsies, in cases where imaging can confidently rule out or identify abnormalities.

What Conditions are Diagnosed Using Prostate MRI?

Prostate MRI is highly effective in diagnosing a range of conditions, including prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and other structural abnormalities. It is particularly valuable in detecting and staging prostate cancer, helping to determine its extent and whether it has spread beyond the prostate. MRI can also guide targeted biopsies for suspicious lesions, ensuring more accurate sampling and reducing unnecessary interventions.

Prostate MRI is a powerful diagnostic tool that enhances early detection and treatment planning for prostate-related conditions. Its precision, especially with high-field MRI, allows for non-invasive evaluations that improve outcomes and preserve quality of life. As a cornerstone of men’s health, prostate MRI supports proactive management of prostate conditions, fostering overall well-being.

How Do I Prepare for a Prostate MRI Exam?

If you are receiving IV CONTRAST for your exam, have nothing to eat 1 hour prior to your exam time. You may drink clear liquids (example: water, ginger ale, apple juice).

Because the MRI system uses a very powerful magnet, there are many items that cannot be brought into the exam room. Although a private locker will be provided, it is best to leave certain items at home or with someone during your MRI exam, including:

Cell phones, pagers, iPads, or any other electronic device
Credit cards, driver’s license, and any other card with a magnetic strip
Loose change
Bobby pins, safety pins or any other item with metallic pieces
Any loose metallic items on clothing or body
Glasses, hearing aids and items such as TENS Units will not be able to go into the exam room, but can be worn until just before entering the MRI room

Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes, such as a sweatsuit. Be sure there are no metal zippers, snaps or buckles. Do not wear earrings, hairpins, or jewelry. Do not apply eye shadow or mascara.

This exam may not be performed if you have a cardiac pacemaker, cerebral aneurysm clips or a metallic hearing implant. If you are a sheet metal worker or have ever had metal fragments in your eye(s), an orbit x-ray will be taken prior to your MRI exam.

What Happens During a Prostate MRI Exam?

After checking in, you will be escorted to a changing room. You will then meet the registered MRI technologist who will be performing your exam. The technologist will review the screening questionnaire and the procedure with you, answering any questions you may have.

When you are ready, you will be asked to lie down on the cushioned MRI table. Many MRI exams require the use of a coil, which is placed on or around the body part being scanned. The coil is a lightweight device that acts as an antenna to receive the radio frequency signal coming out of your body and transmit that data to a computer, which then generates the images. If it has been determined that your study requires the use of a contrast material (or dye), the technologist or nurse will perform the injection and administer the contrast. Let us know if you have any allergies. This contrast does not contain iodine.

The table will slowly move into position within the large doughnut-shaped magnet. We provide you with noise-canceling headphones and your choice of music, as you will hear a series of loud thumping noises as the scan is performed. We ask that you keep very still to help ensure that the images come out clear. Throughout the entire exam, you will be able to communicate with the technologist through an intercom. Orthopedic MRI exam can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the body part being scanned.

Additional Reasons to Get an MRI

An MRI scan may be done to check for certain cancers or other illnesses. The MRI may show
tissue that has cancer cells and tissue that does not have cancer cells.

An abdominal MRI can be used to guide doctors or surgeons during a procedure, such as a
biopsy. An MRI scan may be used if surgery is needed to remove a growth or lump.

An MRI scan of the abdomen can show healthcare providers how well a treatment for a disease
is working and the results of a quality MRI scan can help in the plan for the best treatment
forward. This includes the lungs, liver, stomach, spine, pelvis, kidneys, colon, pancreas, other
organs and all portions of the abdomen. A radiologist who subspecializes in body imaging
conducts imaging exams between the throat and the pelvis.

MRI provides state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging of the breast, heart, chest, abdomen, pelvis,
and blood vessels. MRIs are performed by experienced MRI technologists and interpreted by
subspecialty-trained radiology physicians. MRI does not expose patients to radiation and is safe
for patients with allergies to x-ray dyes or moderately impaired kidney function.

Also Read About

ProFound AI® for Mammography

IV Sedation for MRI

PSMA for Prostate Cancer

Whole Body MRI

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Why Choose Zwanger-Pesiri?

Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology brings world-class expertise to the Long Island community. Our subspecialty-trained radiologists are Board Certified by the American Board of Radiology with fellowship training in a variety of specialties. They are highly-skilled, highly-knowledgeable, and make patient care a priority. To learn more, contact us today.