PREOPERATIVE T-STAGING OF PROSTATE CARCIN OMA - ENDORECTAL MRI COMPARED WITH OTHER IMAGING AND CLINICAL METHODS

Purpose: The diagnostic value of endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in comparison to clinical information and other imaging modalit ies was analysed in order to define the most accurate preoperative sta ging method. Methods: 54 patients with biopsy proven prostate carcinom a, who underwent subsequent prostatectomy, were examined with an endor ectal surface coil. The results were compared to body coil MRI, digita l rectal examination and prostate specific antigen levels. In 37 patie nts, results of endorectal ultrasound were available. Results: Staging accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of endorectal coil MRI were 83. 3%. For body coil MRI, staging accuracy was 59.2%, sensitivity 43.3% a nd specificity 82.6%, for transrectal ultrasound 59.5%, 36.4% and 91.7 % and for the digital rectal examination 55.6%, 26.7% and 91.7%, respe ctively. Staging accuracy of endorectal MRI was significantly (p < 0,0 5) superior to that of the other imaging modalities. Conclusion: Endor ectal coil MRI allows reliable distinction between localised and advan ced tumour stages and is superior to other imaging techniques in this regard. It can thus be recommended for staging in patients with prosta te carcinoma.