Value of MR diffusion weighted imaging in diagnosis of benign and malignant prostate lesions

Abstract

Objective To investigate the value of magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant prostate lesions. Methods The DWI and ADC images of 80 patients pathologically diagnosed with prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia were analyzed. The ADC value of the lesion area was measured, and the ADC values of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Results The 46 cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia occurred mainly in the central zones of the glands and had uneven slightly high signal in DWI and their mean value of ADC was (1.35±0.35)×10-3 mm2/s. Among the 34 cases of prostate cancer, 16 cases were confined to peripheral zones; 8 cases occurred in the central zones and had significantly high signal in DWI; the mean ADC value was (0.99±0.25)×10-3 mm2/s. There was a statistical difference in ADC value between these two groups (t=-3.89, P<0.05). Conclusion Diffusion weighted imaging, especially ADC, has important value in the differential diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Key words: Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance; Prostatic hyperplasia; Prostate cancer; Differential diagnosis