1H-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Prostatitis Syndrome

Lee, Eun Sock; Kim, Duk Yoon; Kim, Jong Ki

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the specific metabolic patterns of the prostatic tissue with prostatitis syndrome 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed on the patients with prostatitis syndrome.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between 1996 and 2001, 24 men aged 19-59 (mean 36.9) were evaluated for the impression of prostatitis syndome. Image and spectrum were obtained with GE Signa 1.5T MRI/MRS unit using a GP flexible surface coils. Scout images were obtained at axial plane with T2-weighted fast spin echo sequence, and 1H spectra were acquired in the localized single-voxel elements of the prostatic tissue with stimulated echo-acquisition mode sequence before and after therapy.
RESULTS
Elevated levels of amino acids and decreased citrate were detected in the prostatic tissue with prostatitis syndrome in comparison with normal tissue. Spectral variations of amino acids metabolic signal were found between different patient groups, and recovery of spectral pattern after 1 month or 3 months of antimicrobials therapy was found. In chronic noninflammatory pelvic pain syndrome, amino acids levels were elevated as in other prostatitis, but patterns were different.
CONCLUSIONS
1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy using external body surface coil can be a useful and non-invasive method to evaluate and to monitor therapeutic efficacy of prostate diseases including the prostatitis syndrome.