2D and 3D T2-weighted MR sequences for the assessment of neurovascular bundle changes after nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy with erectile function correlation

Eur Radiol. 2009 Jan;19(1):220-9. doi: 10.1007/s00330-008-1102-y. Epub 2008 Jul 24.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the capability of a 3D isotropic MRI T2-weighted sequence (3D T2 ISO) in the depiction of changes of neurovascular bundles (NVBs) after bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). Furthermore, our aim was also to introduce a new MRI classification score of the NVB alteration patterns using the International Index Erectile Function Five-Item (IIEF-5) score as standard of reference. Fifty-three consecutive patients were postoperatively submitted to two MR examinations, including both 2D TSE T2-weighted (2D T2) and 3D T2 ISO sequences. Image findings were scored using a relative five-point classification and correlated with the postoperative IIEF-5 score. Radiologists attributed 13.2% of patients to class 0, 11.3% to class I, 34% to class II, 24.5% to class III, and 16.9% to class IV. With 3D T2 ISO images, the same radiologists determined 43.3% class 0, 32% class I, 11.4% class II, 7.5% class III, and 5.7% class IV. In all cases, the correlation and regression analysis between the 3D T2 ISO and IIEF-5 score resulted in higher coefficients values. The 3D sequence correlated most closely with patients' grading of erectile function.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Erectile Dysfunction / diagnosis*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Penis / blood supply*
  • Penis / immunology*
  • Penis / pathology
  • Prostatectomy / adverse effects*
  • Pubic Symphysis / pathology
  • Pubic Symphysis / surgery
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome