Clinique Pasteur Tunis
Prostate MRI
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Prostate MRI

Prostate MRI in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

Prostate MRI in Tunis: the key test for a raised PSA or an abnormal rectal examination, to guide the decision on biopsy.

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What is it?

Prostate MRI (known as "multiparametric" MRI) combines several types of images to examine the prostate and identify a suspicious area. It is now recommended in case of a raised PSA (a blood marker) or an abnormal rectal examination, before deciding on a biopsy: it helps the urologist know whether a biopsy is needed and, if so, target the right area. It is also used to assess a known prostate cancer and to monitor certain patients. An injection of contrast agent (gadolinium) is often given. A medicine that calms bowel movements may be injected, and you may be asked to empty your rectum before the examination.

When is it indicated?

Raised or rising PSA

It looks for a suspicious area before deciding on a biopsy, and can avoid unnecessary biopsies.

Abnormal rectal examination

It clarifies what the urologist felt during the examination.

Guiding a targeted biopsy

The images are used to aim precisely at the suspicious area during the biopsy.

Assessment and monitoring of prostate cancer

It assesses the local extent of a known cancer and is used to follow patients under active surveillance.

Preparation

1Remove jewellery, watch, piercings, hair clips, bank cards and any metal object before entering the scanner room
2Tell us in advance about any pacemaker or defibrillator, implant (cochlear implant, neurostimulator, pump), surgical clip, heart valve, prosthesis or metal fragment: some are MRI-compatible, others are not
3As instructed when booking: open your bowels or use a small rectal enema before the examination, and avoid sexual intercourse for a few days beforehand
4Fasting for a few hours may be requested
5Let us know if you are afraid of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia): the team will support you and your doctor can prescribe a mild sedative
6If an injection is planned, tell us about any kidney disease, allergy or past reaction to a contrast agent; a recent blood test (creatinine) may be requested
7Bring your PSA results and any previous biopsy or ultrasound reports

Procedure

1

You change in a cubicle and put your metal objects in a locker

2

A drip is placed in your arm; a medicine to calm bowel movements may be injected

3

You lie on your back, with a coil placed on your lower abdomen

4

The scanner makes loud, repetitive noises while the images are being taken: headphones or earplugs are provided

5

You need to keep still during each series of images so that they are sharp

6

The contrast agent is injected at the end of the examination

7

You stay in contact with the team through a microphone and a call bell that you hold in your hand

Duration

About 30 to 45 minutes

Results

The images are analysed by a radiologist, who writes a report. The report is given to you with the images and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told when to expect it on the day of the examination. The report usually grades the areas seen using a standardised score (PI-RADS score), which helps the urologist decide on the next steps.

Precautions and contraindications

No X-rays: MRI does not use ionising radiation
Not possible with a pacemaker, defibrillator or implant that is not MRI-compatible, or with a metal foreign body in the eye
The medicine used to calm bowel movements may blur your vision or dry your mouth for a short time: avoid driving until your vision is back to normal
Allergic reaction to gadolinium: rare, and usually mild (redness, itching)
In case of severe kidney failure, the gadolinium injection is avoided or adjusted by the doctor
You may feel enclosed inside the tunnel; the examination can be stopped at any time

Your doctor and the radiology team will inform you in detail before the examination. Feel free to ask them your questions.

This information is general and does not replace the advice of your doctor, who chooses the examination suited to your situation.

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