❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PI-RADS score?
A PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System) score is a 1 to 5 rating derived from multiparametric prostate MRI that estimates the likelihood of clinically significant prostate cancer. A score of 1 means it is highly unlikely and a score of 5 means it is highly likely.
Is PI-RADS 4 cancer?
A PI-RADS 4 does not confirm cancer. It means clinically significant cancer is likely (around 52%). MRI-targeted biopsy is recommended to establish a tissue diagnosis.
What does a PI-RADS 3 score mean?
PI-RADS 3 is equivocal, with roughly a 20% chance of clinically significant cancer. Management often incorporates PSA density (biopsy is favored when PSA density is 0.15 ng/mL/cc or higher) along with other clinical risk factors.
What is the difference between PI-RADS 2.0 and 2.1?
PI-RADS v2.1 (released in 2019) refined transition-zone scoring with explicit 2+1 and 3+1 upgrade rules, clarified DWI criteria distinguishing focal from linear or wedge-shaped abnormalities, and standardized DCE and prostate-volume measurement.
How is a transition zone lesion scored in PI-RADS 2.1?
In the transition zone, T2-weighted imaging is the dominant sequence. A T2W score of 2 is upgraded to PI-RADS 3 if DWI is 4 or 5, and a T2W score of 3 is upgraded to PI-RADS 4 if DWI is 5.
When is DCE (contrast) used in PI-RADS 2.1?
Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging only changes the score for peripheral-zone lesions with a DWI score of 3. Positive (focal, early) enhancement upgrades PI-RADS 3 to PI-RADS 4. DCE is not used to score transition-zone lesions.
Is this PI-RADS calculator free?
Yes. This PI-RADS v2.1 calculator is completely free to use and works on both desktop and mobile devices.