Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdominal cavity – indications, contraindications and the course of the examination

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A modern imaging test, which is magnetic resonance imaging, is used in the diagnosis of diseases of organs located in the abdominal cavity. It is most often ordered when other tests do not provide adequate contrast and have a limited diagnostic value. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdominal cavity allows you to examine the liver, kidneys, pancreas, urinary tract and spleen.

What is abdominal magnetic resonance imaging?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MR, MRI, MRI) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a device that generates a harmless magnetic field and radio waves. It is used to assess the condition of the whole organism, but also its specific areas (head, abdominal cavity) or specific organs (heart, pituitary gland).

Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdominal cavity allows for a detailed diagnosis of the condition of soft tissues. Thanks to it, damage, inflammation or neoplastic changes are diagnosed within:

  1. liver;
  2. gall bladder;
  3. pancreas;
  4. spleen;
  5. stomach;
  6. intestines;
  7. kidneys and ureters.

MRI usually complements other diagnostic tests, including ultrasound, X-ray or comupter tomography. If on their basis it is not possible to determine the causes of ailments such as abdominal pain, flatulence or enlargement of internal organs, then abdominal resonance gives a more detailed insight into the situation.

  1. Also check which conditions are detected by MRI of the pelvis.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdominal cavity – indications

Imaging diagnostics begins with popular methods that are quick and accessible. They are not always sufficient because the image, e.g. in the case of abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography, may be inaccurate. It is also an alternative for people with contraindications to use other methods. In many cases MRI of the abdominal cavity can be made without a contrast agent, because even then the resulting image is detailed.

On the website clinics.pl you will find a facility where you can perform abdominal magentic resonance.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdominal cavity plays an important role in the diagnosis of diseases of the pancreas, liver and bile ducts. The examination detects hemangiomas, nodules and cysts. The indications for MR examination may be focal or disseminated changes in organs, conditions after transplantation, cholelithiasis, Crohn’s disease or the need to determine the condition of blood vessels in the abdominal cavity. MRI of this area is also recommended for diabetics who are more likely to develop pancreatic tumors.

How does abdominal resonance work?

MRI is a painless examination, but you need to prepare yourself properly. MRI is performed on an empty stomach, and before starting the procedure, you need to get rid of all metal trinkets (jewelry, coins), magnetic cards, watches and electronic devices. It is important that the clothes also do not have metal elements, not even buttons or zippers.

  1. Find out more: Magnetic resonance imaging – when is it worth doing and how to prepare for it?

During the magnetic resonance imaging, the patient is placed on a special table that moves inside the device. After starting the apparatus, stay motionless for several to several dozen minutes. During this time, the patient may be given instructions that may address issues such as how to breathe. Scans MRI during operation, it is a source of loud crackling noises. If you are concerned that the test conditions may trigger a claustrophobic or panic attack, please inform your doctor in advance.

Abdominal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Price ranges from 600 to 1000 PLN.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdominal cavity – contraindications

Abdominal MRI is safe in itself and does not pose a risk of immediate or over time adverse reactions. However, caution is required when administering a contrast to which some patients have an allergic reaction. Contrast media is not always necessary, and MRI can also be performed without it.

Because the action of the magnetic field However, abdominal resonance imaging will be dangerous when certain specific foreign bodies are inside the body. Absolute contraindications for MRI relate to metal elements (implants, steel IUDs, clips on brain aneurysms) and devices such as a pacemaker, cochlear implant, neurostimulator or insulin pump. There is also a risk of a metal foreign body in the eye.

There are also some relative contraindications to abdominal MRI. They do not exclude the site from surgery, but you should inform your doctor about them. These are dental implants, sutures, fixed orthodontic appliances and endoprostheses. It is also advisable to postpone the MRI if a biopsy of one of the abdominal organs has been performed within the last few weeks. The last issue is pregnancy, which is not a contraindication, although MRI is not usually performed in the first trimester.

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