Authors: Valeria Panebianco Alessandro Sciarra Marcello Osimani Danilo Lisi Mauro Ciccariello Stefano Salciccia Vincenzo Gentile Franco Di Silverio Roberto Passariello
Publish Date: 2008/07/24
Volume: 19, Issue: 1, Pages: 220-229
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the capability of a 3D isotropic MRI T2weighted sequence 3D T2 ISO in the depiction of changes of neurovascular bundles NVBs after bilateral nervesparing 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 FiveItem IIEF5 score as standard of reference Fiftythree consecutive patients were postoperatively submitted to two MR examinations including both 2D TSE T2weighted 2D T2 and 3D T2 ISO sequences Image findings were scored using a relative fivepoint classification and correlated with the postoperative IIEF5 score Radiologists attributed 132 of patients to class 0 113 to class I 34 to class II 245 to class III and 169 to class IV With 3D T2 ISO images the same radiologists determined 433 class 0 32 class I 114 class II 75 class III and 57 class IV In all cases the correlation and regression analysis between the 3D T2 ISO and IIEF5 score resulted in higher coefficients values The 3D sequence correlated most closely with patients’ grading of erectile function
Keywords: