Why patient should do the examination? (value of test).
- Detection and staging of prostate cancer.
- Detection of tumor recurrence
Who benefits from getting tested?
- Patient with elevated PSA level.
- Patient with pathologically proven prostate cancer for staging.
- Suspected local recurrence after prostate radiation or radical prostatectomy
Are there any contraindications to the examination?
- Only you can’t get MRI scan due to cardiac pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator implants.
What other tests should be done with this examination?
- Recent serum creatinine level.
- Recent PSA level
Examination preparations
- Patient should fast from 4-6 hours before the examination.
A brief description of the examination procedure
- A nurse will insert an intravenous catheter (IV line) into a vein in your hand or arm that will be used to inject the contrast material.
- You will be positioned on the moveable exam table. Straps and bolsters may be used to help you stay still and maintain your position.
- Devices that contain coils capable of sending and receiving magnetic waves placed around or next to the area of the body being scanned (pelvis).
- Images are acquired before, during, and after a bolus of low-molecular-weight gadolinium contrast media, using an injection rate of 2–4 mL/s followed by a 20-mL saline flush.
- When the exam is complete, you may be asked to wait while the radiologist checks the images in case more are needed.
- Your IV line will be removed after the exam is over.
- The entire examination usually takes 45 minutes or less
Where I can get tested?
- The exam is done on one of the latest MRI machines from GE, SIEMENS & PHILIPS in Alfa scan branches.
Are there any aftercare or precautions to be done?
- We recommend you continue drinking plenty of fluid after the examination, as it helps rapid washout of contrast material out of your body except if you are on fluid balance for renal or cardiac condition, then please review your physician in that matter
