Abdominal MRI

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Digestive system

MRI scans

Overview

Risks

Results

Abdominal MRI

Alternative Names:

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

What the risks are:

There is no ionizing radiation involved in MRI, and there have been no documented significant side effects of the magnetic fields and radio waves used on the human body to date. The most common MR intravenous contrast agent, gadolinium, is very safe, and although there have been documented allergic reactions to it, this is extremely rare. If sedation is used, there are associated risks of over-sedation. The technologist monitors the patient's vital signs, including heart rate and respiration as needed.

However, because the effects of strong magnetic fields on a fetus are not well documented at this time, pregnant women are usually advised to avoid MRI scans.

MRI is usually not recommended for acute trauma situations, because traction and

life-support equipment cannot safely enter the scanner area and scan times are relatively lengthy.

Special considerations:

MRI is more accurate than a CT scan or other tests for certain conditions but less accurate for others. The function of the small and large bowel (intestines) is not readily visible. Disadvantages include the high cost, long duration of the scan, and sensitivity to movement.

People with claustrophobia or who are confused or anxious may have difficulty lying still for the relatively long scan times. MRI is not portable (it cannot be taken to the patient, the patient must come to the scanner) and is incompatible with some metallic implants, life-support devices, traction apparatus, and similar equipment.

MRI is superior in most cases in which differentiation of soft tissues is necessary. It can view organs that may be obscured by bone or foreign bodies on conventional x-rays or CT scans. It is capable of showing the tissues from multiple viewpoints and is a noninvasive way to evaluate blood flow.

Review Date: 1/24/2005
Reviewed By: Jeffrey J. Brown, M.D., F.A.C.R., Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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