Hôpital Cochin – Port-Royal · AP-HP · Université Paris Cité
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Radiologie Interventionnelle
Hôpital Cochin Port-Royal AP-HP AP-HP
Radiologie Cochin

Radiologie A — Imagerie

Hôpital Cochin · AP-HP · Université Paris Cité

️ rdv.radioa.cch@aphp.fr 01 58 41 24 69
Accueil›Radiologie A›Prostate MRI
Radiology A · Men's imaging

🧲 Prostate MRI

Multiparametric prostate MRI — how does the examination work?

🧲 What is it?

Prostate MRI (or multiparametric prostate MRI) is the reference examination to assess the prostate without X-rays. It helps to detect and locate prostate cancer, guide biopsies and monitor a known abnormality. Results are graded with the PI-RADS score (1 to 5), which estimates the risk of significant cancer.

⏱️ Duration: 30 to 45 minutes. A non-invasive examination, with no X-rays.

📋 How to prepare

1

You should have a moderately full bladder (avoid urinating in the hour before the examination).

2

A rectal enema may be requested to improve image quality: follow the instructions given when booking.

3

Bring your recent PSA level, previous examination reports and a list of your medications.

4

Report any implanted device (pacemaker, prosthesis, implant), allergy or kidney impairment (contrast injection — gadolinium — is not always required).

5

Tell us if you have had a recent prostate biopsy: a delay of several weeks is often preferable so it does not affect interpretation.

▶️ How does it work?

1

You lie on your back inside the MRI scanner. The examination is painless but noisy: headphones or earplugs are provided.

2

Several sequences are acquired, including diffusion and perfusion, which are the strength of multiparametric MRI.

3

A contrast injection (gadolinium) into an arm vein may be performed depending on the indication.

4

It is important to stay still during the acquisitions to ensure sharp images.

✅ After the examination

1

You can resume your usual activities immediately.

2

If contrast was injected, drink plenty of fluids to flush it out.

3

The report, including the PI-RADS score, is sent to your urologist or doctor within 2 to 5 working days.

✅ No X-rays, painless. Helps target a possible biopsy more accurately. No additional fees.
⚠️ Some MRI contraindications exist (certain pacemakers, ferromagnetic material). You must report any implant when booking.

❓ Questions fréquentes

What is a prostate MRI?
It is a magnetic resonance imaging examination, without X-rays, that assesses the prostate in detail. Multiparametric MRI combines several types of images to detect and locate a possible cancer and help decide on a biopsy.
Is prostate MRI painful?
No, the examination is painless. You simply need to stay still and tolerate the noise of the machine, reduced by headphones or earplugs. No rectal probe is used in the standard protocol at Cochin.
What does the PI-RADS score mean?
PI-RADS is a 1-to-5 scale estimating the probability that an abnormality corresponds to significant cancer: 1-2 = low, 3 = intermediate, 4-5 = high. It helps your urologist decide what to do (surveillance or targeted biopsy).
Should the MRI be done before or after the biopsy?
The MRI is usually performed before the biopsy: it locates suspicious areas and guides targeted sampling, which improves the detection of significant cancers. If a biopsy has already been done, a delay of several weeks is preferable so it does not affect interpretation.
Does a normal MRI rule out cancer?
A reassuring MRI (PI-RADS 1 or 2) makes significant cancer unlikely, but does not rule it out completely. The decision to monitor or to perform sampling takes into account the MRI, the PSA level and your urologist's advice.

🔗 See also

Have a question about your examination?

️ rdv.radioa.cch@aphp.fr 01 58 41 24 69