Evaluation of the current status, significance, and availability of prostate MRI und MRI guided biopsy in Germany

Abstract

Purpose

Evaluation of the current status, significance and availability of multiparametric prostate MRI and MRI-guided biopsy in Germany.

Materials and Methods

A voluntary web-based questionnaire with 26 distinct items was emailed to members of the German Radiological Society (DRG) and the Professional Association of German Radiologists (BDR). The questions referred to personal qualification, acquisition, quality, and management of prostate MRI, and assessment of the importance of the method.

Results

In total 182 questionnaires were captured from all 10 german postal regions (over 60% of the university hospitals, almost 50% of the maximum care hospitals and approx. 12% of the practices or medical service centers). 43% of the respondents had a Q1 or Q2 quality certificate from the DRG, 10% had a certificate from the BDR, respectively. The majority (90%) criticized inadequate reimbursement of the examination. In 47% MRI cases were discussed in an interdisciplinary tumor board, in 44% case discussions happened rarely, and 12% never had interdisciplinary discussions. On a scale from 0–100 (0%: low; 100%: high) the estimation of the clinical relevance of prostate MRIs received an average of 84% (± 16%) and the estimated approval by urologists was 75% (± 21%). Lacking clinical feedback (59%) and clinical information (42%) were perceived as the largest problems.

Conclusion

In this representative survey the respondents estimated multiparametric MRI of the prostate as highly diagnostic and relevant with an increased approval by urologists. There is still a perceived need for continuous professional education of the method for urologists and for more widespread coverage of fusion biopsy. Prostate MRI is currently primarily offered by high volume centers. Current challenges are particularly insufficient interdisciplinary communication and inadequate reimbursement.

Key Points

• Prostate MRI is perceived as highly diagnostic and clinically relevant.The method is currently primarily offered by high volume centers.

• Bigger current problems are insufficient interdisciplinary communication (e.g., clinical information, biopsy results) and inadequate reimbursement.

• Continuous education for urologists and expanded coverage by fusion biopsy are desirable.

Citation Format

• Ullrich T, Boschheidgen M, Schweyen CM et al. Evaluation of the current status, significance, and availability of prostate MRI und MRI guided biopsy in germany. Rofo 2025; 197: 945–952

Keywords

prostate - MR-imaging - MR-diffusion/perfusion - cost-effectiveness - technical aspects - pathology

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 09. Juli 2024

Angenommen nach Revision: 05. September 2024

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
07. Januar 2025

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