Prostate MRI

NJIR now offers a new way to image your prostate gland and perform an MRI guided prostate biopsy if necessary. A prostate MRI is indicated in patients that have a rising PSA, with negative ultrasound guided biopsies of the prostate gland. The prostate MRI will show areas that look suspicious for prostate cancer.

If there is an area of concern in the prostate gland, we can now perform a prostate biopsy under MRI guidance. The radiologist targets the area that looks suspicious and biopsies only that specific area. The procedure is safe and takes less than one hour.

How does all of this work?

There are two steps to the procedure.

Part 1: MRI of the pelvis with attention to the prostate gland.
Part 2: If the MRI shows an area that looks suspicious for prostate cancer, you and your doctor will decide if an MRI guided prostate biopsy is right for you. Typically, the biopsy would be performed on a different day than the MRI scan.

What will I experience during the MRI examination?

You are usually positioned face-up on the MRI table. The technologist will place a “coil”
which is similar to a soft foam pad over your pelvis. For part of the exam, you will hear the machine as it is taking the pictures. During the exam, the technologist will give you a painless injection into a vein in your arm. The injection is a small amount of contrast material that helps the radiologist to visualize your prostate gland. The technologist will provide headphones to listen to music and will try to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

How should I prepare for the MRI?

If you are diabetic, have kidney problems or are over 60 years old, NJIR will need a copy of your most recent blood work. You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, without metal or zippers for your MRI exam. You will need to remove all jewelry prior to the exam. You will be given a locker to store your valuables. You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.

You cannot have an MRI if you have a pacemaker. If you have ever worked with grinding metal, have any stents, filters, coils, shrapnel or anything metal implanted in your body, please notify us.

Who interprets the study and how do I get the results?

A radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician, who will share the results with you.

I’ve heard that prostate MRI can be done at other places. What does NJIR do
differently?

NJIR has special software called DynaCAD that allows our radiologists to view and analyze the images in a unique way. This gives us the best visualization of your prostate gland.

Does my insurance cover this exam?

MRIs of the pelvis with attention to the prostate gland are covered by Medicare and most
insurances. Please check with your insurance carrier or call us for more information about your specific insurance plan.

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