Focus on the Quality of Prostate Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Synopsis of the ESUR/ESUI Recommendations on Quality Assessment and Interpretation of Images and Radiologists’ Training
Objectives This study aims to define consensus-based criteria for acquiring and reporting prostate MRI and establishing prerequisites for image quality.
Methods A total of 44 leading urologists and urogenital radiologists who are experts in prostate cancer imaging from the
European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) and EAU Section of Urologic Imaging (ESUI) participated in a Delphi
consensus process. Panellists completed two rounds of questionnaires with 55 items under three headings: image quality
assessment, interpretation and reporting, and radiologists’ experience plus training centres. Of 55 questions, 31 were rated for
agreement on a 9-point scale, and 24 were multiple-choice or open. For agreement items, there was consensus agreement with an
agreement ≥ 70% (score 7–9) and disagreement of ≤ 15% of the panellists. For the other questions, a consensus was considered
with ≥ 50% of votes.
Results Twenty-four out of 31 of agreement items and 11/16 of other questions reached consensus. Agreement statements were
(1) reporting of image quality should be performed and implemented into clinical practice; (2) for interpretation performance,
radiologists should use self-performance tests with histopathology feedback, compare their interpretation with expert-reading and
use external performance assessments; and (3) radiologists must attend theoretical and hands-on courses before interpreting
prostate MRI. Limitations are that the results are expert opinions and not based on systematic reviews or meta-analyses. There
was no consensus on outc