Diffusion-weighted imaging in normal prostate and differential diagnosis of prostate diseases

Background  During the past several years, the morbidities of prostate diseases have increased sharply all over the world. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is an MR-based technique that probes the function of tissues. We attempt to investigate the diagnostic value of DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in normal prostate gland and prostate diseases. Materials and methods  A total of 16 healthy volunteers, 9 prostate cysts, 29 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and 21 prostatic carcinoma (Pca) underwent DWI, respectively. Their DWI and ADC characteristics were analyzed, and the diagnositic and differential diagnositic values of DWI and ADC were summarized. All of the BPH and Pca received a histological diagnosis. Results  In DWI, the signal intensity of BPH nodule was nonhomogeneous and lower than that of the peripheral zone (PZ). Pca showed high signal intensity while the prostate cyst showed low intensity. The mean ADCs for the normal central gland, PZ, prostate cyst, BPH nodules, and Pca foci were (1.352 ± 0.052) × 10⁻³ mm²/s, (1.829 ± 0.071) × 10⁻³ mm²/s, (2.557 ± 0.084) × 10⁻³ mm²/s, (1.576 ± 0.101) × 10⁻³ mm²/s, and (0.934 ± 0.166) × 10⁻³ mm²/s, respectively (P = 0.000). Conclusions  Diffusion-weighted imaging and ADCs for the normal central gland, PZ, prostate cyst, BPH nodules, and Pca demonstrate significant differences, and those can be used in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the diseases of prostate.