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Ency. home > Test > A > Abdominal MRI

Abdominal MRI    See images

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Nuclear magnetic resonance - abdomen; NMR - abdomen; Magnetic resonance imaging - abdomen; MRI of the abdomen

Definition:

A noninvasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct pictures of the abdomen and its organs.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) produces pictures of the inside of the abdomen without exposure to ionizing radiation (X-rays).

How the Test is Performed

Since MRI makes use of radio waves very close in frequency to those of ordinary FM radio stations, the scanner must be located within a specially shielded room to avoid outside interference. The patient will be asked to lie on a narrow table which slides into a large tunnel-like tube within the scanner.  In addition, small devices may be placed around the head, arm, or leg, or adjacent to other areas to be studied. These are special body coils which send and receive the radio wave pulses, and are designed to improve the quality of the images.  If contrast is to be administered, an IV will be placed, usually in a small vein of the hand or forearm.  A technologist will operate the machine and observe you during the entire study from an adjacent room.

Several sets of images are usually required, each taking from 2 to 15 minutes. A complete scan, depending on the sequences performed, and need for contrast enhancement may take up to one hour or more. Newer scanners with more powerful magnets utilizing updated software and advanced sequences may complete the process in less time.

How to Prepare for the Test

No preparatory tests, diets, or medications are usually needed, unless the colon needs to be cleansed (with preparations such as a laxative or an enema). An MRI can be performed immediately after other imaging studies. Depending on the area of interest, the patient may be asked to fast for 4 to 6 hours prior to the scan.

Because of the strong magnets, certain metallic objects are not allowed into the room. Items such as jewelry, watches, credit cards, and hearing aids can be damaged. Pins, hairpins, metal zippers, and similar metallic items can distort the images. Removable dental work should be taken out just prior to the scan. Pens, pocketknives, and eyeglasses can become dangerous projectiles when the magnet is activated and should not accompany the patient into the scanner area.

Because the strong magnetic fields can displace or disrupt the action of implanted metallic objects, people with cardiac pacemakers cannot be scanned and should not enter the MRI area. MRI also should not be used for people with metallic objects in their bodies such as inner ear (cochlear) implants, brain aneurysm clips, some artificial heart valves, older vascular stents, and recently placed artificial joints. Sheet metal workers, or persons with similar potential exposure to small metal fragments, will first be screened for metal shards within the eyes with X-rays of the skull. The patient will be asked to sign a consent form confirming that none of the above issues apply before the study will be performed.

A hospital gown may be recommended, or the patient may be allowed to wear "sweats" or similar clothing without metal fasteners.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

How the Test will Feel

There is no pain. The magnetic field and radio waves are not felt. The primary possible discomfort is the claustrophobic feeling that some experience from being inside the scanner. The table may be hard or cold, but you can request a blanket or pillow. The machine produces loud thumping and humming noises during normal operation. Ear plugs are usually given to the patient to reduce the noise. A technologist observes the patient during the entire procedure and may be spoken to through an intercom in the scanner. Some MRI scanners are equipped with televisions and special headphones to help the examination time pass.

Excessive movement can blur MRI images and cause certain artifacts. If the patient has difficulty lying still or is very anxious, an oral or intravenous sedative may be given. There is no recovery time, unless sedation was necessary. After an MRI scan, you can resume normal diet, activity, and medications.

Why the Test is Performed

MRI provides detailed pictures of soft tissues without obstruction by overlying bone. It is often used to clarify findings from previous X-ray studies or CT scans. It can show or demonstrate wide areas of the abdomen from multiple planes. MRI can evaluate certain organ functions. It clearly shows lymph nodes and blood vessels, and is a noninvasive imaging method for evaluation of blood flow.

MRI may be used in diagnosing abnormal growths. It can distinguish tumors or other lesions from normal tissues and can provide information for the staging (determination of the size, extent, and spread) of abdominal tumors. MRI is sometimes used to avoid the dangers of angiography, repeated exposure to radiation, or for patients that cannot receive iodinated contrast dye.

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