Patient preparation for prostate MRI: A scoping review

PurposeTo perform a scoping review of the literature evaluating patient preparation for prostate MRI.MethodsWe conducted a search of English language literature, between 1989 and 2022 using MEDLINE and EMBASE for key terms: diet, enema, gel, catheter and anti-spasmodic agents linked to prostate MRI. Studies were reviewed for: level of evidence (LOE), study design and key results. Knowledge gaps were identified.ResultsThree studies evaluated dietary modification in 655 patients. LOE was 3. All studies showed improved DWI and T2W image quality (IQ) and reduced DWI artifact.Nine studies evaluated enema use in 1551 patients. Mean LOE was 2.8 (range 2–3). Six studies reported IQ; DWI and T2W IQ were significantly improved with enema in 5/6 and 4/6 studies respectively. Only one study evaluated DWI/T2W lesion visibility which was improved with enema. One study evaluated impact of enema on eventual prostate cancer diagnosis, showing no benefit in false negative reduction.One study (LOE = 2, 150 patients) evaluated rectal gel; however, in combination with enema showing improved DWI and T2W IQ, lesion visibility and PI-QUAL compared to no preparation.Two studies evaluated use of rectal catheter in 396 patients. LOE was 3. One study showed improved DWI and T2W IQ and artifact compared to no preparation; however, the other showed inferior results comparing rectal catheter to enema.Six studies evaluated anti-spasmodic agent use in 888 patients. Mean LOE was 2.8 (range 2–3). Benefit of anti-spasmodic agent use on image quality and artifact on DWI and T2W are conflicting with no clear benefit.ConclusionData evaluating patient preparation for prostate MRI is limited by level of evidence, study design and conflicting results. The majority of published studies do not evaluate impact of patient preparation on eventual prostate cancer diagnosis.