Incorporating endorectal MR elastography into multi‐parametric MRI for prostate cancer imaging: Initial feasibility in volunteers

PURPOSE: To investigate the tolerability and technical feasibility of performing endorectal MR elastography (eMRE) in human volunteers within the representative age group commonly affected by prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endorectal MRE was conducted on seven volunteers in a 1.5 Tesla (T) MR imager using a rigid endorectal coil. Another five volunteers were imaged on a 3T MR imager using an inflatable balloon type endorectal coil. Tolerability was accessed for vibration amplitudes of ±1-50 μm and for frequencies of 100-300 Hz. RESULTS: All 12 volunteers tolerated the displacements necessary to successfully perform eMRE. Shear waves with frequencies up to 300 Hz could propagate across the entire prostate using both coil designs. CONCLUSION: The results of this study motivate further investigation of eMRE in prostate cancer patients to help determine if there is an added value of integrating eMRE into existing multi-parametric prostate MRI exams.