Rectal gas-induced susceptibility artefacts on prostate diffusion-weighted MRI with epi read-out at 3.0 T: does a preparatory micro-enema improve image quality?

Purpose: To assess whether the application of a preparatory micro-enema reduces gas-induced susceptibility artefacts on diffusion-weighted MRI of the prostate.

Methods: 114 consecutive patients who received multiparametric 3 T MRI of the prostate at our institution were retrospectively enrolled. 63 patients self-administered a preparatory micro-enema prior to imaging, and 51 patients underwent MRI without bowel preparation.