Also available in PDF Format:  Prostate MRI

What is MRI of the prostate?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a radiology scan. An MRI of the prostate gives clear and detailed pictures of the prostate and the structures around it.

How does the exam work?

MRI is a unique exam. It does not use radiation like X-rays, radioisotope studies, and CT scanning. Instead, MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create sharp pictures – even different types of tissue within the same organ can easily be seen. An MRI exam usually consists of 2 to 6 sets of scans, each lasting 2 to 15 minutes. Each set shows a cross-section of the body part.

How should I prepare for the exam?

Before the Exam
(Do these things only if you are having the endorectal coil prostate MRI exam. An endorectal coil is a small, flexible plastic tube that will be put into your rectum.)

• If your exam is in the morning, have a light dinner the evening before your exam (such as eggs or a sandwich). Do not eat breakfast on the morning of the exam.
• If your exam is in the afternoon, have a light breakfast (such as an egg and toast, or cereal). Do not eat lunch.
• Take your regular medicines.
• Use a Fleet enema to clean out your colon just before you leave your house to come to the hospital. Follow the instructions on the box.

At the Hospital
Once you have arrived at the hospital:

• You may sign a consent form, if it is needed.
• You will empty your bladder and bowel.
• The doctor will give you a rectal exam.
• An endorectal coil may be placed inside your rectum. Once it is inserted, a balloon is inflated to hold the coil in place during your exam.
• You may get a shot of glucagon in your arm, which will keep your bowels from moving. This will allow us to get the best possible pictures.

Safety Precautions
Because the strong magnetic field used for MRI will pull on metal objects that may be implanted in your body, tell the MRI staff if you have:

• Have a prosthetic hip, heart pacemaker (or artificial heart valve), implanted port, infusion catheter (with brand names such as Port-o-cath, Infusaport, Lifeport), or any metal plates, clips, pins, screws, or surgical staples in your body.
• Tattoos.
• A bullet or shrapnel in your body.
• Worked with metal.
• Drug allergies.
• Had any surgeries.
  In most cases, surgical staples, clips, plates, pins, and screws are OK during MRI if they have been in place for more than 4 to 6 weeks. If there is any question of metal fragments, an X-ray may be done to detect them.
  Remove any items that might affect MRI pictures, including hairpins, jewelry, glasses, hearing aids, and any removable dental work.
  Some contraindications (conditions that would prevent you from having this procedure) for a prostate MRI exam are rectal bleeding, anal fissures, anal structure, rectal surgery (end-to-end anastomosis), inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis/Crohn’s disease), hip replacements, some penile implants, large hemorrhoids, anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs, or known anaphylactic reaction to latex compounds.

How is the procedure performed?

1. You will be placed on a sliding table. A device called a surface coil will be place on your pelvis, or an endorectal coil will be placed in your rectum.
2. After moving you inside the MRI unit, the technologist will leave the room, and the MRI series will be done.
3. You will be able to talk with the technologist through an intercom at any time during the procedure.
4. Based on how many pictures are needed, the exam normally takes 30 to 60 minutes. A very detailed study may take longer.
5. You will be asked to lie still while pictures are being taken.
6. Some patients will need an injection of a contrast material to make certain tissues or blood vessels easier to see. A small needle with an intravenous (IV) line is placed in an arm or hand vein. The contrast material is injected after over half of the exam is done.
7. When the exam is over, the endorectal coil will be removed.

What will I feel during the MRI exam?

MRI does not cause pain, but you may feel uneasy from being closed in or from the need to remain still. You may notice a warm feeling in the target area. This is normal – but if it bothers you, tell the MRI technologist. If a contrast injection is needed, you may feel discomfort at the injection site, and you may have a cool sensation at the site during the injection. For some patients, the loud tapping or knocking noises heard at times during the exam are annoying. Earplugs or headphones for music may help. You may feel pressure in your rectum from the endorectal coil.

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?

A radiologist skilled in MRI will review and interpret the MRI findings and send a report to your primary care or referring doctor. The radiologist will not discuss the results with you. Your doctor will give you the results.