Prostate MRI at BWH uses state-of-the-art MRI scanners, in combination with advanced scanning software, to provide high quality images of the prostate gland and pelvis. Diagnostic scan quality, as well as the comfort of our patients, are our valued priorities.
A Tradition of Excellence
There is a long tradition of excellence in Prostate MRI at BWH. Prostate MRI at BWH was first established at BWH in 1991 by Dr. Clare Tempany, now Professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School and Ferenc Jolesz Chair of Research in the Department of Radiology at BWH. Since then, the Prostate MRI program has grown progressively – in 2016, more than 1,200 prostate MRIs were performed.
Multi-parametric Prostate MRI
The routine prostate MRI examination at BWH assesses the prostate gland and surrounding tissues using high magnetic field-strength MRI scanners (3 Tesla, or 3T). Scans are performed with a number of specialized techniques, commonly referred to as ‘multi-parametric’ or mpMRI. These include assessment by T2-weighted imaging, high-field diffusion-weighted imaging, and contrast-enhanced imaging techniques. Notably, the BWH Radiology department uses some of the most advanced imaging sequences available, in order to provide small field-of-view diffusion-weighted imaging, to provide high-quality diagnostic data.
Prostate MRI examinations can be performed either without or with an endorectal coil (or ‘eCoil') device. In some instances, patients and their doctors may opt for MRI scanning with an eCoil device.
