AI-based prostate volume on MRI in screening of 50-year-old men and its impact on PSA density–based biopsy decisions
European Journal of Radiology Artificial Intelligence, 2026
Abstract
Purpose
To compare MRI-based prostate volume measurements by radiologists using the ellipsoid formula with two CE-marked AI models in a population-based screening cohort of 50-year-old men, and to evaluate the impact on PSAD-based biopsy recommendations.
Methods
This retrospective method-agreement study included 303 prostate MRI examinations from Swedish organised prostate cancer testing programmes between 2020 and 2022. Examinations were performed at 14 radiology departments using scanners from multiple vendors and field strengths. Prostate volumes were measured by local radiologists using the PI-RADS–recommended ellipsoid formula and by two CE-marked AI models based on automated whole-gland segmentation. Agreement for prostate volume and PSAD was assessed using Bland–Altman analysis. Biopsy recommendations were evaluated in men with PI-RADS 1–3 lesions using clinically relevant PSAD thresholds.
Results
The mean volume differences between radiologists and AI models were < 2 ml. The variability (limits of agreement) between the AI models was lower than that between the radiologist and each AI model. The proportions over the PSAD thresholds were 59–68% for 0.10, 21–28% for 0.15, and 8.6–13% for 0.20 ng/ml/cm3 depending on the volumes estimated by the AI models and the radiologists. These differences were significant only for the PSAD threshold 0.15 ng/ml/cm3 in combination with PI-RADS ≤ 3: 29% for the radiologists versus 17% for AI model 2 (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
In a screening population of 50-year-old men, CE-marked AI models demonstrated good agreement with radiologists for MRI-based prostate volume estimation, with comparable PSAD-based biopsy recommendations. AI-based volume assessment may reduce variability and radiologist workload in prostate cancer screening.
