Aches and Pains in a Patient With History of Prostatectomy: Extensive Skeletal Metastases Picked up by Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

A 64-year-old gentleman presented to the out-patient with complaints of generalized body ache. He had a history of prostate cancer for which robotic radical prostatectomy (RP) was done earlier. The levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly elevated. Skeletal radiograph showed only few sclerotic foci. Magnetic resonance imaging whole-body diffusionweighted image (MRI-WB-DWI) however revealed the presence of diffuse skeletal metastases. In any elderly male who presents with generalized body pain, eliciting a good history should not be overlooked. With a history of prostate cancer, diffuse metastases should be high in the list of differential diagnosis. Though there are several imaging methods to detect metastases, MRI-WB-DWI is a welcome alternative to the established methods. Patients who undergo RP for prostate cancer should be counselled regarding the importance of follow-up of their PSA levels.