Abdominal MRI

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Digestive system

MRI scans

Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the inside of the belly area. It does not use radiation (x-rays).

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

You will be asked to lie on a narrow table, which slides into a large tunnel-like tube. The health care provider may inject a dye through one of your veins. This helps certain diseases and organs show up better on the images. Small devices, called coils, may be placed around certain body areas to be studied. They also help produce better images.

Unlike and computed tomographic (CT) scans, MRI does not use radiation. Instead, it uses powerful magnets and radio waves. The magnetic field produced by an MRI forces certain atoms in your body to line up in a certain way. It's similar to how the needle on a compass moves when you hold it near a magnet.

The radio waves are sent toward these atoms and bounce back, and a computer records the signal. Different types of tissues send back different signals. For example, healthy tissue sends back a slightly different signal than cancerous tissue.

A technologist will operate the machine from a room next door and watch you during the entire study.

Several sets of images are usually needed. Each one takes about 2-15 minutes. A complete scan may take up to 1 hour. Newer scanners may complete the process in less time.

There is usually no preparation needed, unless your doctor says you must clean out your bowels. This is often done using a laxative or enema.

You may be asked to wear a hospital gown.

The strong magnetic fields created during an MRI can interfere with certain implants, particularly cardiac pacemakers. People with cardiac pacemakers can not have an MRI and should not enter the MRI area.

If you have any of the following metallic objects in your body, you should not get an MRI: