Diffusion weighted imaging of the prostate-principles, application, and advances

This review article aims to provide an overview on the principles of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) and its applications in the imaging of the prostate. DW-MRI with regards to different applications for prostate cancer (PCa) detection and characterization, local staging as well as for active surveillance (AS) and tumor recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP) will be discussed. Furthermore, advances in DW-MRI techniques like diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) will be presented.

Translational andrology and urology. 2017 Jun [Epub]

Martin H Maurer, Johannes T Heverhagen

Department of Radiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland.