Prostate MRI and image quality: The urologist's perspective

The development of different imaging modalities of the prostate has significantly improved tumor detection, patient risk stratification, and quality of care. Among these, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) has emerged as the most sensitive tool. It is useful in the diagnosis, localization, risk stratification, and staging of clinically significant prostate cancer, PCa. As a result, mp-MRI of the prostate is recommended as the initial diagnostic test for men with suspected PCa. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial in the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer and mp-MRI plays a fundamental role in this scenario. While many aspects of image quality certainly fall within the purview of radiology, it is important to recognize that urologists must also be attentive to imaging quality when utilizing mp-MRI to facilitate PCa management. We present our viewpoint as urologists on how image quality impacts the management of men diagnosed with PCa and attempt to identify the factors that impact mp-MRI image quality, consequences of poor image quality, and finally suggestions for improvements.