What is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen?
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of the organs and structures inside the body. An MRI of the abdomen (belly) can give your doctor information about your liver, pancreas, and kidneys and other structures in the belly.
When you have an MRI, you lie on a table and the table moves into the MRI machine.
Why is an MRI of the abdomen done?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen is done to:
- Find problems or tumors in the abdominal organs and tissues. In some cases, MRI can tell if a tumor is noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).
- Check lower abdominal and pelvic organs for tumors, bleeding, or problems present since birth (congenital abnormalities).
- Find a blocked tube or stones in the tube that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder (bile duct).
- Check organs and blood vessels prior to organ transplantation or surgery.
How is an MRI of the abdomen done?
- You may have contrast material (dye) put into your arm through a tube called an I.V.
- You will lie on a table that's part of the MRI scanner.
- The table will slide into the space that contains the magnet.
- Inside the scanner, you will hear a fan and feel air moving. You may hear tapping, thumping, or snapping noises. You may be given earplugs or headphones to reduce the noise.
- You will be asked to hold still during the scan. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods.
- You may be alone in the scanning room. But a technologist will watch through a window and talk with you during the test.
How do you prepare for an MRI of the abdomen?
For some MRI pictures of the belly, you may be asked to not eat or drink for several hours before the test.
Tell your doctor if you get nervous in tight spaces. You may get a medicine to help you relax. If you think you'll get this medicine, be sure to arrange a ride home. It may be unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
What do the results of an MRI of the abdomen mean?
Theradiologistmay discuss initial results of the MRI with you right after the test. Complete results are usually available for your doctor in 1 to 2 days.
An MRI scan can sometimes find a problem in a tissue or an organ that is not seen byX-ray,ultrasound, orCT scan, even when the size and shape of the tissue or organ looks normal.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen
Normal:
- The organs and blood vessels are normal in size, shape, and location.
- No abnormal growths, such as tumors, are present.
- No blockage is found in the ducts draining the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.
- No blockage is found in the tubes (ureters) that lead out of the kidneys.
- No bleeding, abnormal collections of fluid, blockage in the flow of blood, or bulges in the blood vessels (aneurysms) are present.
- No signs of inflammation or infection are present.
Abnormal:
- An organ is too large, too small, or in the wrong place. The MRI also may show areas of scarring or injury.
- Growths are found, such as tumors that could be either benign or cancerous. Signs of infection may be present.
- A collection of fluid is present, which could mean you have internal bleeding or an infection.
- A bulge in the wall of a blood vessel (aneurysm) is present. Blockage in or narrowing of a blood vessel also may be found.
- Blockage is present in thebileducts. Reasons for the blockage may include a gallstone, tumor, infection, or inflammation.
- Blockage is present in the tubes leading from the kidneys (ureters). Reasons for the blockage may include a kidney stone, tumor, infection, or inflammation.
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