To explore the value of T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) combined with diffusion-magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) for the prediction of extracapsular extension (ECE) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa).

Sixty patients with PCa who underwent 3T MRI were divided into ECE group and no ECE group according to imaging data and pathological histology.Pictures of T2WI alone and T2WI combination with DWI were analyzed by two experienced imaging physicians, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of tumor were measured, furthemore compared between two groups.

The sensitivity and specificity of T2WI combined with DWI were 76.1% and 84.3%, respectively, which were superior to those of T2WI alone.The area under the curve (Az) of T2WI combined with DWI on receiver operating characteristic analysis was significantly higher than that of T2WI alone (Az=0.892, 0.803, Z=4.661, P<0.01). The mean ADC value was significantly lower in patients with ECE [(0.72±0.14)×10^-3mm²/s] than that in patients without ECE [(0.94±0.21)×10^-3mm²/s] (t=3.82, P<0.01).

T2WI combined with DWI enhances the potential for predicting ECE status in patients with PCa.In addition, ADC value has important value to assess patients with or without ECE.