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AbdominaI MRI scan
An abdominal MR (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves
to create pictures of the inside of the belly area. t does not use radiation (x-rays).
Single MR images are called slices. The images can be stored on a computer or printed on film. One exam produces
dozens or sometimes hundreds of images.
How the Test is Performed
You may be asked to wear a hospital gown or clothing without metal zippers or snaps (such as sweatpants and a
t-shirt). Certain types of metal can cause blurry images.
You will lie on a narrow table. The table slides into a large tunnel-shaped scanner.
Some exams require a special dye (contrast). Most of the time, the dye is given before the test through a vein (V) in
your hand or forearm. The dye helps the radiologist see certain areas more clearly.
During the MR, the person who operates the machine will watch you from another room. The test lasts about 30-60
minutes, but may take longer.
How to Prepare for the Test
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 - 6 hours before the scan.
Tell your doctor if you are afraid of close spaces (have claustrophobia). You may be given a medicine to help you feel
sleepy and less anxious, or your doctor may suggest an "open" MR, in which the machine is not as close to the body.
Before the test, tell your health care provider if you have:
Artificial heart valves
Brain aneurysm clips
Heart defibrillator or pacemaker
nner ear (cochlear) implants
Kidney disease or dialysis (you may not be able to receive contrast)
Recently placed artificial joints
Certain types of vascular stents
Worked with sheet metal in the past (you may need tests to check for metal pieces in your eyes)
Because the MR contains strong magnets, metal objects are not allowed into the room with the MR scanner:
tems such as jewelry, watches, credit cards, and hearing aids can be damaged.
Pens, pocketknives, and eyeglasses may fly across the room.
Pins, hairpins, metal zippers, and similar metallic items can distort the images.
Removable dental work should be taken out just before the scan.
How the Test WiII FeeI
An MR exam causes no pain. You may get medicine to relax you if you have a problem lying still or are very nervous.
Moving too much can blur MR images and cause errors.
The table may be hard or cold, but you can ask for a blanket or pillow. The machine makes loud thumping and
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humming noises when turned on. You can wear ear plugs to help reduce the noise.
An intercom in the room allows you to speak to someone at any time. Some MRs have televisions and special
headphones to help you time pass.
There is no recovery time, unless you were given a medicine to relax. After an MR scan, you can go back to your
normal diet, activity, and medicines.
Why the Test is Performed
An abdominal MR provides detailed pictures of the belly area from many views. t is often used to clarify findings from
earlier x-rays or CT scans.
This test may be used to look at:
Blood flow in the abdomen
Blood vessels in the abdomen
The cause of abdominal pain or swelling
The cause of abnormal blood test results, such as liver or kidney problems
Lymph nodes in the abdomen
MR can distinguish tumors from normal tissues. This can help the doctor know more about the tumor such as size,
severity, and spread. This is called staging.
MR is sometimes used to avoid the dangers of angiography, too much radiation exposure, and allergies from iodine.
What AbnormaI ResuIts Mean
An abnormal result may be due to:
Abscess
Acute tubular necrosis
Cancer
Enlarged spleen or liver
Gallbladder or bile duct problems
Gallstones, bile duct stones
Hemangiomas
Hydronephrosis (kidney swelling from the backflow of urine)
Kidney infection
Kidney damage
Lymphadenopathy (abnormalities of the lymph nodes)
Obstructed vena cava
Pancreatic cancer
Portal vein obstruction (liver)
Renal arterial obstruction
Renal vein thrombosis
Transplant rejection
Tumor of the gallbladder
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Acute renal failure
Adenomyosis
Atheroembolic renal disease
Carcinoma of the renal pelvis or ureter
Chronic renal failure
Cystinuria
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Hydatidiform mole
njury of the kidney and ureter
nsulinoma
slet of Langerhans' tumor
Medullary cystic disease
Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)
Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)
Nephrolithiasis
Ovarian cancer
Pheochromocytoma
Risks
MR does not use ionizing radiation. No side effects from the magnetic fields and radio waves have been reported.
The most common type of contrast (dye) used is gadolinium. t is very safe. Allergic reactions rarely occur. However,
gadolinium can be harmful to people with kidney problems who need dialysis. Tell your health care provider before the
test if you have have kidney problems.
The strong magnetic fields created during an MR can cause heart pacemakers and other implants not to not as well.
The magnets can also cause a piece of metal inside your body to move or shift.
AIternative Names
Nuclear magnetic resonance - abdomen; NMR - abdomen; Magnetic resonance imaging - abdomen; MR of the
abdomen
References
Kim DH, Pickhard PJ. Diagnostic imaging procedures in gastroenterology. n: Goldman L, Schafter A, eds. Cecil
Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 135.
Wilkinson D, Paley MNJ. Magnetic resonance imaging: basic principles. n: Adam A, Dixon AK, eds. Granger &
Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical maging. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone;2008:chap
5.
Update Date: 11/9/2012
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