An MRI, which stands for magnetic resonance imaging, uses magnets and radio waves to generate images of inside the abdomen. These images can include the liver, kidneys, bladder, pancreas, spleen and biliary tract. Sometimes an MRI is ordered to after other imaging was inconclusive. An MRI of the abdomen and pelvis helps look at your liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands, bladder, uterus and ovaries to determine how they are functioning. An MRI is a non-invasive and doesn’t use any radiation but usually involves a type of contrast called gadolinium. If you have ever had a reaction to contrast, make sure you notify your physician before the test.
Why does my doctor want me to have an MRI?
Your physician may order an MRI to help diagnose symptoms such nausea, vomiting, blood in stool, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal tenderness and swelling and persistent fever.
What can an MRI of the abdomen and pelvis diagnosis?
An MRI may help diagnose cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, tumors or masses. It can evaluate the blood flow and blood vessels in the abdomen. It can also help figure out the spread, size and extent of any tumors or masses.
Mount Sinai. 2022. Abdominal MRI Scan. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/abdominal-mri-scan
UCLA Health. (n.d.) https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/surgery/endocrine-surgery/patient-resources/patient-education/endocrine-surgery-encyclopedia/abdominal-mri-scan
