Comparison of quantitative T-2 mapping and diflusion-weighted imaging in the normal and pathologic prostate

In this study, diffusion-weighted images of the human prostate were success fully obtained, enabling quantification of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) in normal and pathologic regions. A dual acquisition fast spin-echo sequence was used for accurate T-2 calculation. T-2 values were significant ly higher in the peripheral zone than the central gland (P = 0.015). No sig nificant correlations were found in either normal or pathologic tissue betw een ADC values and relaxation rates for all three gradient directions and t he orientationally averaged water diffusion coefficient. Evidence suggestin g that diffusional anisotropy is present in normal prostatic tissue is also detailed, with significant differences noted between the z-component and b oth the x- and y-components of the ADC for peripheral zone (P < 0.040) and central gland (P < 0.001). (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.