About this task
A complete prostate examination combines high-resolution anatomical imaging of the pelvis with 3D CSI spectroscopy of the prostate gland. An endo-rectal coil in combination with the pelvic or torso phased array coil is employed to acquire the images and spectra. A surface coil intensity program, PACC, is used to correct the images.
The total time for the set up and acquisition of the data is approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Considerations
The output of post processing can be modified with any change to the protocol. For optimal image quality, keep consistency with protocols. Use the same type of Filter and/or apply SCIC or PURE for both pre and post contrast imaging.
Step-by-step instructions
- From the protocol screen, select your site or GE PROSE protocol. Click Accept to close the Protocol screen.
- Set up the coil and position the patient. For details, see PROSE coil setup procedure
- Acquire the localizer images.
- In a typical prostate examination, FSE sagittal localizer images are acquired to guide the prescription of high-resolution axial or axial oblique images, and coronal oblique images through the prostate gland.
- The localizer images are also used to check for correct coil placement.
- Acquire high-resolution, axial or axial oblique, T1-weighted Spin Echo images.
- Prescribe the slices from the symphysis pubis to the aortic bifurcation.
- If it is not possible to acquire all of the T1-weighted, axial slices through the pelvic anatomy without increasing the TR, you should acquire the images in two sets with a smaller TR (~500 to 766 ms).
- These images are used to survey the pelvis and locate the endo-rectal coil relative to the prostate gland to aid in correcting images with the PACC program. For PACC details, see PROSE PACC procedure
- These images are used to assess the presence of pelvic lymph node and bone metastases, and to determine if there is post-biopsy hemorrhage in the prostate.
- During the acquisition of the T1-weighted images, reformat the sagittal images to check the positioning of the endo-rectal coil in the axial plane (to see the coil in the axial plane, the R(Right) L(Left) prescription should cover the region from, roughly, R30 to L30).
- Adjust the Endo-rectal coil, if necessary.
- Acquire high-resolution, axial oblique FSE images.
- These images can be used to prescribe the PROSE volume for the PROSE sequence.
- These images should cover the prostate and seminal vesicles to identify prostate zonal anatomy and pathology.
- Acquire high-resolution, coronal oblique FSE images.
- The coronal images may allow for reformatting of the CSI data in another plane.
- These images should cover the prostate and seminal vesicles to identify prostate zonal anatomy and pathology.
- Correct the images with PACC. For details, see PROSE PACC procedure
- Acquire the PROSE sequence. For details, see PROSE scan prescription procedure
- Click Scan >Auto Prescan to start the APS process.
- If Auto Prescan is successful, the receive and transmit gains, the center frequency, the linewidth, the flip angle of the water suppression RF pulses, and the water suppression level are displayed, such as, "R1:11 R2:29 AX:63855957 LnWdth:11 Flip Ang:145 Supp Lvl:98".
- If the linewidth value (LnWdth) exceeds 15 Hz, see PROSE Auto Prescan. PROSE spectrum visualization procedure
- When you are satisfied with the Auto Prescan results, click Scan.
- Visualize and examine the spectrum. For details, see PROSE spectrum visualization procedure
- Manually adjust the homogeneity. For details, see PROSE homogeneity adjustment procedure
