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December 14, 2025British Journal of Radiology3 citationsOpen Access

Prostate MRI in the UK: a survey of current practice by the British Society of Urogenital Radiology

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SWSamuel J. WitheyICIztok CagličTBTristan Barrett

Key Points

  • To characterize current UK practices in prostate MRI reporting and pathways.
  • Distributed a questionnaire to consultant radiologists reporting prostate MRI.
  • Covered 6 domains: demographics, MRI protocols, biopsy, reporting preferences, imaging pathways, attitudes toward accreditation.
  • Seven-seven radiologists from 52 NHS Trusts responded.
  • Variable patient preparation for MRI, with 69.2% administering anti-spasmodic medication.
  • 100% of Trusts perform MRI prior to biopsy for suspected cancer; 73.1% using multiparametric MRI.
  • 28.6% of radiologists report only a PI-RADS score, while 44.1% state both PI-RADS and Likert scores.

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To characterise contemporary UK practice in prostate MRI reporting and pathways, and identify priorities for standardisation. Methods Between February and April 2025, a questionnaire was distributed by the British Society of Urogenital Radiology to UK-based consultant radiologists who report prostate MRI. It contained 34 questions, covering 6 domains: demographics; MRI protocols; biopsy; reporting preferences; imaging pathways; and attitudes towards accreditation. Results 77 radiologists representing 52 NHS Trusts across all nations of the UK responded. Key findings include variable patient preparation for MRI including anti-spasmodic medication (69.2% administering) and instruction related to bowel preparation (13.5%). 100% of Trusts were performing MRI prior to biopsy for suspected cancer; 73.1% using multiparametric MRI. When reporting prostate MRI for suspected cancer, 28.6% document only a PI-RADS score, 27.3% only a Likert score, with 44.1% stating both. The PI-QUAL score is moderately well known (71.4% of respondents) but not in routine use (7.8%). Transperineal prostate biopsy was performed at 88.5% of Trusts, with biopsy more likely to be performed by urologists (98.1% of Trusts) or urology nurses (36.5%) than radiologists (26.9%). Patients with high- or very high-risk prostate cancer undergo variable staging pathways, with university teaching hospitals more likely to offer PSMA PET/CT than other settings (33.3% vs 12.0%, p = 0.023) Conclusions This survey shows the current state of UK prostate MRI practice, including universal pre-biopsy MRI. It identifies areas for standardisation, including MRI protocols, scoring systems, and national staging guidelines. Advances in Knowledge Provides an up-to-date snapshot on prostate MRI within the UK.

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Cite This Study

Withey et al. (2025) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6941aaa70f5af7fd17df4ba5https://doi.org/10.1093/bjr/tqaf312
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