Role of MRI in follow-up after focal therapy for prostate carcinoma.

Abstract

In patients with clinically suspected local recurrence of prostate cancer, a lobulated hyperintense mass in the radical prostatectomy fossa can be readily visualized with T2-weighted MRI, but this imaging technique is less successful after treatments such as radiation therapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, and cryosurgery. We describe the additional value of functional techniques in the assessment of local recurrence. The use of functional MRI techniques such as MR spectroscopy, diffusion-weighted imaging, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI has shown promise in increasing overall imaging performance in the detection of local recurrence.