MRI ABDOMEN & PELVIS

The Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan is a sophisticated diagnostic imaging test offered at Cadabams Diagnostics that provides highly detailed pictures of the organs and structures within your abdominal and pelvic regions. Its primary purpose is to generate precise images that can help doctors identify a wide range of conditions, from inflammatory diseases to tumors, without the use of ionizing radiation. This makes the Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan a safe and non-invasive technique crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various health issues. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we are committed to providing a comfortable and informative experience for your imaging needs.

What is an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan?

An Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan utilizes Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology. This advanced medical imaging technique employs a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a sophisticated computer system to create detailed cross-sectional images – like virtual slices – of your abdomen and pelvis. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation.

The strength of the Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan lies in its exceptional ability to differentiate between various types of soft tissues. This means it can clearly show organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, intestines, bladder, and reproductive organs (uterus, ovaries in females; prostate in males) with remarkable clarity. This detailed visualization aids doctors at Cadabams Diagnostics in detecting subtle abnormalities that might not be visible with other imaging methods.

Types of Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan

Depending on what your doctor is looking for, different types or protocols of an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan may be performed at Cadabams Diagnostics:

MRI With Contrast vs. Without Contrast

• MRI Without Contrast: This is a standard MRI scan useful for many general assessments of organ structure and some pathologies.
• MRI With Contrast: This involves injecting a gadolinium-based contrast agent into a vein, usually in your arm. The contrast material helps to highlight blood vessels, inflammation, and certain types of tumors, making them easier to see and characterize. This is what "MRI abdomen and pelvis with contrast explained" refers to. The decision to use contrast is made by the radiologist and referring doctor based on the clinical question.

Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)

This is a specialized type of Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan that creates detailed images specifically of the biliary system (liver, gallbladder, bile ducts) and the pancreatic ducts. It is excellent for detecting gallstones, blockages, inflammation, or tumors in these ducts.

MRI Enterography / Enteroclysis

These are specialized MRI techniques designed to provide detailed images of the small bowel.

• MRI Enterography: You will drink a special liquid (oral contrast agent) that distends the small bowel, allowing for better visualization of its walls. It's commonly used to evaluate conditions like Crohn's disease.
• MRI Enteroclysis: Similar to enterography, but the contrast agent is delivered directly into the small bowel through a nasogastric tube. This method can provide even better distension and detail but is more invasive.

Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI)

This technique involves acquiring images rapidly before, during, and after the injection of contrast material. It allows radiologists to assess blood flow, vascularity of tissues (e.g., tumors), and organ function, providing valuable physiological information in addition to anatomical details.

The specific type of a Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan chosen will be tailored to your individual medical needs to provide the most accurate diagnostic information.

During an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan, radiologists at Cadabams Diagnostics meticulously examine a comprehensive range of structures and look for various indicators of health or disease.

Structures Examined

• Liver: Size, shape, texture, presence of lesions (cysts, tumors, fatty infiltration, signs of cirrhosis).
• Gallbladder and Bile Ducts: Presence of gallstones, inflammation (cholecystitis), ductal dilation, tumors.
• Spleen: Size, shape, presence of lesions.
• Pancreas: Size, shape, ductal system, inflammation (pancreatitis), cysts, tumors.
• Kidneys: Size, shape, presence of cysts, tumors, stones, signs of obstruction (hydronephrosis), scarring.
• Adrenal Glands: Size, shape, presence of nodules or masses.
• Intestines (Small and Large Bowel): Wall thickness, inflammation, strictures, fistulas, masses (especially with specialized techniques like MRI enterography).
• Stomach: (Less commonly the primary focus unless specific symptoms point to it, but often visualized).
• Bladder: Wall thickness, filling defects, masses.
• Reproductive Organs:
  • Female (Uterus, Ovaries, Fallopian Tubes): Size, shape, presence of fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts or masses, adenomyosis, congenital abnormalities.
  • Male (Prostate, Seminal Vesicles): Size, zonal anatomy, presence of tumors, signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) changes.
• Lymph Nodes: Size, shape, and distribution in the abdomen and pelvis.
• Blood Vessels: Major arteries and veins, looking for blockages, aneurysms, or other abnormalities.
• Peritoneum: The lining of the abdominal cavity, looking for fluid (ascites) or abnormal thickening/nodules.
• Bones of the Pelvis and Lower Spine: For any incidental findings or related pathology.
• Muscles and Soft Tissues: Of the abdominal wall and pelvic floor.

Radiologists Look For

• Size and Shape of Organs: Deviations from normal can indicate disease.
• Presence of Masses, Cysts, Tumors: Characterizing their nature (solid, cystic, benign, suspicious for malignancy).
• Inflammation: Signs like swelling, fluid collection, or changes in tissue signal.
• Infection: Abscess formation or other signs.
• Blockages or Obstructions: In the bile ducts, urinary tract, or bowel.
• Internal Bleeding or Hematomas.
• Blood Vessel Abnormalities: Such as aneurysms, dissections, or narrowing.
• Fluid Collections: Such as ascites (fluid in the abdomen) or abscesses.
• Signs of Disease or Injury: Both acute and chronic conditions.
• Changes in Tissue Signal Intensity: Different tissues and pathologies have characteristic appearances on MRI sequences, which help in diagnosis.
• Enhancement Patterns (if contrast is used): How tissues take up and wash out contrast material can provide crucial diagnostic clues, particularly for tumors.

There are numerous specific reasons why your doctor might order an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan. This test is particularly valuable for understanding what an MRI of abdomen and pelvis detects in complex clinical scenarios.

Key Reasons

• Evaluate Abdominal or Pelvic Pain: When the cause of persistent or severe pain is unclear from other tests, an MRI can pinpoint issues like inflammation, infection, tumors, or structural abnormalities.
• Detect and Stage Cancers: MRI is a cornerstone in the diagnosis, staging (determining the extent), and monitoring of various cancers, including:
  • Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, metastases)
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
  • Colorectal cancer (especially for rectal cancer staging)
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Uterine (endometrial or cervical) cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Lymphoma
• Assess Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Particularly useful for Crohn's disease to evaluate the extent of inflammation, complications like strictures or fistulas, and response to treatment.
• Investigate Liver Diseases: To assess conditions like cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, hemochromatosis (iron overload), and to characterize liver lesions.
• Check for Damage to Organs After Injury: In cases of abdominal trauma, MRI can assess organ damage, bleeding, or other complications.
• Monitor Known Conditions or Effectiveness of Treatment: For patients with chronic conditions or cancer, an MRI can track disease progression, regression, or response to therapies like chemotherapy or radiation.
• Examine Blood Vessels and Blood Flow (MRA - Magnetic Resonance Angiography): To detect aneurysms, blockages, or other vascular issues in the abdominal and pelvic arteries and veins.
• Evaluate Congenital Abnormalities: In some cases, MRI can help identify structural abnormalities present from birth.
• Diagnose Gynecological Conditions: Such as fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Assess Prostate Conditions: Primarily for detecting and staging prostate cancer, and sometimes for evaluating complications of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
• Investigate Unexplained Fever or Infection: If an infection source is suspected in the abdomen or pelvis.

The detailed images from an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan provide invaluable information to guide further medical or surgical management.

When and Who Needs to Take an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan?

Your doctor may recommend an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan for various reasons, often to investigate symptoms or to get a more detailed look following other initial tests. It's a vital tool for understanding what an MRI of the abdomen and pelvis detects in conditions affecting these complex areas.

Common indications for an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan include:

• Investigating unexplained abdominal or pelvic pain that is persistent or severe.
• Detecting, staging, or monitoring suspected tumors or masses (both cancerous and non-cancerous) in abdominal or pelvic organs.
• Assessing organ abnormalities found through other imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans.
• Evaluating blood flow to organs and detecting vascular abnormalities.
• Identifying sources of inflammation or infection.

Symptoms or situations that might prompt your doctor to order this scan include:

• Persistent and unexplained pain in the abdomen or pelvic region.
• Abnormal results from blood tests that suggest issues with organs like the liver, kidneys, or pancreas.
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite.
• Follow-up evaluation after initial imaging tests (e.g., ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan) show potential concerns.
• Monitoring known conditions to assess disease progression or the effectiveness of treatment.

Patient groups who often benefit from an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan are those with suspected or known conditions in:

• Liver: e.g., cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, tumors, cysts.
• Gallbladder and Bile Ducts: e.g., gallstones (though ultrasound is often first-line), blockages, cholecystitis.
• Pancreas: e.g., pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, cysts.
• Kidneys and Adrenal Glands: e.g., kidney tumors, infections, adrenal masses.
• Spleen: e.g., enlargement, lesions.
• Intestines (Small and Large Bowel): e.g., inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis - though MRI is more common for Crohn's), tumors.
• Bladder: e.g., tumors, structural abnormalities.
• Female Reproductive Organs (Uterus, Ovaries, Fallopian Tubes): e.g., fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, cancers.
• Male Reproductive Organs (Prostate, Seminal Vesicles): e.g., prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) complications.

Benefits of Taking the Test

Opting for an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan at Cadabams Diagnostics offers several significant advantages:

• High Diagnostic Accuracy for Soft Tissue Abnormalities: MRI provides superior contrast between different soft tissues compared to other imaging modalities like X-ray or CT scans. This makes it exceptionally good at detecting and characterizing abnormalities in organs, muscles, and other non-bony structures.
• Non-invasive with No Ionizing Radiation: Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation. This makes it a safer option, especially for patients who may require multiple scans over time, such as those with chronic conditions or children.
• Can Provide Unique Information Not Obtainable from Other Imaging Tests: The ability of MRI to visualize subtle tissue changes, blood flow (with MRA), and specific chemical compositions (with MR spectroscopy) can offer diagnostic insights that other tests cannot.
• Guides Treatment Planning and Surgical Approaches: Detailed anatomical information from an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan is crucial for surgeons in planning complex operations, helping to minimize risks and improve outcomes. It also helps oncologists tailor radiation therapy or other cancer treatments.
• Helps in Monitoring Disease Progression or Response to Therapy: For many chronic conditions and cancers, follow-up MRI scans can objectively assess whether a disease is worsening, stabilizing, or improving with treatment.
• Excellent for Evaluating Specific Conditions: MRI is the gold standard for certain conditions like perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease, staging rectal cancer, and assessing many gynecological and prostate conditions.
• Reduced Risk of Allergic Reaction to Contrast (Compared to Iodinated CT Contrast): While reactions to MRI contrast (gadolinium) can occur, severe reactions are generally less common than with the iodinated contrast agents used in CT scans.
• Multi-planar Imaging: MRI can create images in any plane (axial, sagittal, coronal, or oblique) without repositioning the patient, providing a comprehensive three-dimensional view of the anatomy.

These benefits make the Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan an indispensable tool in modern diagnostics.

Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Abdomen & Pelvis

An Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan is instrumental in diagnosing a wide spectrum of illnesses, further highlighting what an MRI of abdomen and pelvis detects:

Cancers of the Abdomen and Pelvis

• Liver cancer (primary and metastatic)
• Pancreatic cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Adrenal tumors
• Colorectal cancer (especially rectal cancer)
• Bladder cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine (endometrial and cervical) cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Lymphomas and sarcomas

Benign Tumors and Cysts

• Liver hemangiomas, adenomas, focal nodular hyperplasia
• Kidney cysts (simple and complex)
• Pancreatic cysts (e.g., pseudocysts, serous cystadenomas)
• Ovarian cysts (functional, dermoid, endometriomas)
• Uterine fibroids

Liver Conditions

• Cirrhosis and its complications
• Fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH)
• Hemochromatosis (iron overload)
• Wilson's disease
• Portal hypertension

Pancreatic Diseases

• Acute and chronic pancreatitis
• Pancreatic pseudocysts
• Autoimmune pancreatitis

Kidney Disorders

• Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
• Glomerulonephritis (in some contexts)
• Hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney due to urine backup)
• Congenital kidney anomalies

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

• Crohn's disease (assessment of activity, extent, and complications like fistulas, abscesses, strictures)
• Ulcerative colitis (less commonly used than for Crohn's, but can assess severity in some cases)

Gynecological Conditions

• Endometriosis (deep infiltrating endometriosis)
• Adenomyosis
• Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas)
• Ovarian cysts and tumors
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and its complications (e.g., tubo-ovarian abscess)
• Congenital uterine anomalies

Prostate Conditions

• Prostate cancer (detection, localization, staging)
• Prostatitis (in some complex cases)
• Complications of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Vascular Abnormalities

• Aortic aneurysms or dissections (abdominal portion)
• Renal artery stenosis
• Mesenteric ischemia
• Portal vein thrombosis

Infections and Abscesses

• Intra-abdominal abscesses
• Diverticulitis complications
• Appendicitis (especially in pregnant women or when ultrasound is inconclusive)

Musculoskeletal Issues (Pelvis)

• Sacroiliitis
• Osteomyelitis
• Soft tissue tumors of the pelvis

This extensive list demonstrates the versatility and diagnostic power of the Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan available at Cadabams Diagnostics.

Properly preparing for an MRI of the abdomen and pelvis is important to ensure the highest quality images and a smooth procedure. The team at Cadabams Diagnostics will provide you with specific instructions, but general guidelines include:

Specific Instructions

• Fasting: You may be asked to fast (no food or drink, except plain water in some cases) for 4-6 hours before your Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan. This is particularly important if contrast material will be used or if specific organs like the gallbladder, pancreas, or biliary system are being closely examined. Fasting helps to reduce bowel motion and improve image quality. Please confirm the specific fasting requirements with Cadabams Diagnostics when scheduling your appointment.
• Medications: In most cases, you can continue to take your regular medications as prescribed. However, it is crucial to inform the Cadabams Diagnostics staff about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. They will advise if any need to be temporarily stopped.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without any metal snaps, zippers, buttons, or metallic threads. You will likely be asked to change into a hospital gown provided by Cadabams Diagnostics to ensure no metal interferes with the scan.
• Remove Metal Objects: Before entering the MRI scan room, you must remove all metallic objects, including:
  • Jewelry (necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, body piercings)
  • Watches
  • Hairpins, barrettes, and other metal hair accessories
  • Eyeglasses
  • Hearing aids
  • Removable dental work (dentures with metal components)
  • Coins, keys, pens
  • Credit cards or any cards with a magnetic strip (the MRI magnet can erase them)
  • Mobile phones and electronic devices

Informing Cadabams Diagnostics Staff

It is critically important to inform the MRI technologist or Cadabams Diagnostics staff before your scan if you have:

• Any possibility of pregnancy: MRI is generally avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.
• Allergies: Especially any known allergy to gadolinium-based contrast agents used in MRI, or iodine contrast used in CT scans.
• Kidney Problems: If you have a history of kidney disease, kidney failure, or are on dialysis, as this may affect the decision to use contrast material.
• Any Metallic Implants or Devices in Your Body: This includes but is not limited to:
  • Pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
  • Cochlear implants
  • Neurostimulators (e.g., for pain)
  • Brain aneurysm clips (some older types are not MRI-safe)
  • Metallic stents or coils
  • Artificial heart valves
  • Infusion pumps (e.g., insulin pumps)
  • Shrapnel, bullets, or other metallic fragments
  • IUDs (most are MRI safe, but it's important to mention)
  • Joint replacements or surgical pins/screws (most modern ones are MRI safe, but inform staff).
• Past Surgeries: Especially if any metallic devices were implanted.
• Claustrophobia: If you suffer from significant claustrophobia, discuss this with your referring doctor and Cadabams Diagnostics staff beforehand. Options such as open MRI (if available and appropriate) or sedation may be considered.

Following these preparation guidelines will help ensure your safety and the success of your Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan.

Pre-requisites

Before undergoing an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan, there are a few standard pre-requisites:

• Doctor's Referral/Prescription: Typically, an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan requires a referral or prescription from your doctor. This ensures the test is medically necessary and helps the radiologist at Cadabams Diagnostics understand the specific clinical question being addressed.
• Previous Imaging Studies: If you have had previous imaging studies related to your current condition (such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or prior MRIs), it is very helpful to bring these reports and images with you or ensure they are available to the radiologists at Cadabams Diagnostics. Comparing new images with previous ones can be crucial for diagnosis and monitoring.
• Kidney Function Test (e.g., Creatinine Level): If the use of gadolinium-based contrast material is planned for your Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan, a recent kidney function test (usually a blood test measuring creatinine levels, which is used to estimate glomerular filtration rate or eGFR) may be required. This is especially important for patients over a certain age (e.g., 60 years), those with a history of kidney disease, diabetes, or hypertension. This helps assess the risk of NSF, a rare complication. Cadabams Diagnostics will inform you if this is necessary.
• Completed Safety Questionnaire: You will be asked to fill out a detailed MRI safety questionnaire before your scan. It's crucial to answer these questions accurately to ensure your safety.

Proper preparing for an MRI of the abdomen and pelvis also involves fulfilling these pre-requisites.

Best Time to Take the Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan

Generally, an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan can be scheduled at any time that is convenient for you and aligns with the availability at Cadabams Diagnostics. There are usually no specific time-of-day requirements related to the test's effectiveness for most general abdominal and pelvic concerns.

However, there are a few considerations:

• Fasting Requirements: If your scan requires fasting (e.g., 4-6 hours), you might prefer an earlier morning appointment to minimize the fasting period.
• Specific Gynecological Pelvic MRIs: For some specific pelvic MRI examinations in women of childbearing age focusing on particular gynecological issues (e.g., detailed assessment of endometrial pathologies or certain aspects of ovarian function), the scan might occasionally be timed to a specific phase of the menstrual cycle. However, for a general Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan, this is less common. If your doctor has specific timing requirements, they will communicate this. It's always best to confirm with Cadabams Diagnostics if you have any questions about timing.
• Availability: MRI scanners are in high demand, so scheduling in advance is usually recommended.

Ultimately, the "best time" is one that allows you to prepare adequately and arrive for your appointment relaxed and on time.

Eligibility

Most individuals can safely undergo an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan. However, there are certain conditions that may make a person ineligible or require special precautions:

Absolute Contraindications (Individuals who generally CANNOT have an MRI):

• Non-MRI Compatible Pacemakers or Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs): Many older devices are not safe in an MRI environment. However, newer "MRI-conditional" devices exist, but specific protocols must be followed.
• Certain Metallic Implants: Such as older types of ferromagnetic aneurysm clips in the brain, some cochlear implants, or certain neurostimulators.
• Metallic Foreign Bodies: Especially if located in or near vital organs like the eyes or brain (e.g., metal shrapnel).

Relative Contraindications/Cautions (Individuals who may have an MRI but require careful consideration and possible modifications):

• Pregnancy: While MRI does not use ionizing radiation, it is generally avoided during the first trimester unless the benefits clearly outweigh potential risks. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the referring doctor and radiologist. Contrast agents are typically avoided throughout pregnancy.
• Claustrophobia: Severe claustrophobia can make it difficult to complete the scan. Options like an open MRI (if available and suitable for the required image quality), sedation (arranged with the referring doctor), or behavioral techniques may be considered.
• Severe Obesity: MRI machines have weight and bore (tunnel opening) size limitations. Extremely obese individuals may not fit into a standard closed-bore scanner. Some facilities offer wider-bore MRI scanners.
• Severe Kidney Disease (if contrast is needed): Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below a certain threshold (e.g., <30 mL/min/1.73m²) are at higher risk of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) if gadolinium-based contrast is administered. In such cases, contrast is usually avoided, or an alternative imaging modality is considered.
• Implanted Devices with "MRI-Conditional" Labeling: Even if a device is MRI-conditional, specific guidelines regarding the MRI scanner's field strength and scanning parameters must be strictly followed.
• Inability to Lie Still: Patients who cannot remain still for the required duration (e.g., due to pain, tremors, or cognitive impairment) may produce motion-degraded images of poor diagnostic quality. Sedation might be an option in some cases.

The staff at Cadabams Diagnostics will carefully review your medical history and safety questionnaire to determine your eligibility for an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan. It is vital to provide complete and accurate information.

Procedure for Taking an Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan

Understanding the Abdominal and pelvic MRI scan process can help alleviate any anxiety and prepare you for your appointment at Cadabams Diagnostics. Here's a step-by-step guide to what you can typically expect:

1. Arrival and Check-in: Arrive at Cadabams Diagnostics a little before your scheduled appointment to complete any necessary paperwork.
2. Safety Questionnaire and Consent: You will be asked to fill out a detailed MRI safety questionnaire. This is crucial for identifying any potential risks. You may also be asked to sign a consent form.
3. Changing into a Gown: You will likely be asked to change into a metal-free hospital gown to prevent any metallic objects on your clothing from interfering with the MRI scanner's magnetic field or causing image artifacts. You'll be provided with a secure place to store your belongings.
4. Speaking with the Technologist: An MRI technologist will greet you, review your safety questionnaire, explain the procedure, and answer any questions you may have. They will ask about any metal in your body, allergies, and the possibility of pregnancy.
5. IV Line Placement (if contrast is needed): If your Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan requires a contrast agent (as in the "MRI abdomen and pelvis with contrast explained" scenario), a small intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into a vein in your arm or hand by the technologist or a nurse. This will be used to administer the contrast material later during the scan.
6. Positioning on the MRI Scanner Table: You will be asked to lie down on a cushioned, motorized table, usually flat on your back. The technologist will help you get into the correct position and make you as comfortable as possible.
7. Coil Placement: A special device called an "MRI coil" will be placed around your abdomen and pelvis. This coil acts as an antenna to help receive the radio wave signals from your body and improve the quality of the images. It may feel slightly bulky but should not be painful.
8. Moving into the Scanner: Once you're comfortably positioned and the coil is in place, the table will slowly slide into the opening of the MRI machine. The MRI machine is a large, tube-shaped magnet. The part of your body being scanned (abdomen and pelvis) needs to be in the center of the magnet.
9. Staying Still: It is extremely important to remain as still as possible during the Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan. Movement can blur the images and may require sequences to be repeated, lengthening the scan time.
10. Noise During the Scan: MRI machines produce loud knocking, thumping, buzzing, and clicking sounds as they acquire images. This is normal. You will be provided with earplugs or headphones to reduce the noise. You may be able to listen to music through the headphones.
11. Communication with the Technologist: The technologist will be in an adjacent control room, monitoring the scan through a window. You can communicate with them via an intercom system, and they will be able to speak to you. You will usually be given a call button to press if you need assistance or feel uncomfortable.
12. Contrast Injection (if applicable): If contrast material is being used, it will be injected through the IV line part-way through the scan. You might feel a cool sensation moving up your arm, a metallic taste in your mouth, or a brief feeling of warmth. These sensations are usually mild and pass quickly.
13. Scan Duration: The entire Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan process typically takes between 30 to 90 minutes. The exact duration depends on the number of image sequences required, the complexity of the examination, and whether contrast material is used. The technologist will give you an estimate of the scan time.
14. Exiting the Scanner: Once all the images have been acquired, the table will slide out of the MRI machine. The technologist will assist you off the table.
15. IV Line Removal: If an IV line was placed, it will be removed, and a small dressing applied.
16. After the Scan: You can usually resume your normal activities and diet immediately after the scan unless you received sedation. If sedation was used, you would need someone to drive you home.

The team at Cadabams Diagnostics is dedicated to ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the entire Abdominal and pelvic MRI scan process.

Caution Before Taking the Test

Before undergoing your Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan, it's essential to reiterate and ensure the MRI technologist at Cadabams Diagnostics is fully aware of the following crucial information for your safety:

• Possibility of Pregnancy: If there is any chance you might be pregnant, inform the staff immediately. MRI scans are generally avoided in the first trimester unless absolutely necessary.
• Any Metallic Implants, Devices, or Metal Fragments in Your Body: This is paramount. Provide a complete list, including:
  • Pacemakers or implantable defibrillators (ICDs)
  • Cochlear implants
  • Aneurysm clips (especially in the brain)
  • Stents (cardiac, vascular)
  • Artificial heart valves
  • Neurostimulators (for spine, brain, or pain)
  • Infusion pumps (e.g., insulin or pain medication pumps)
  • Shrapnel, bullets, or other metallic foreign bodies (especially in the eyes or from metalwork)
  • Joint replacements, pins, screws, or plates from prior surgeries
  • IUDs (Intrauterine Devices)
  • Dental implants or braces (though most are MRI-safe, it's good to mention).
    Even if you believe an implant is MRI-safe, always inform the staff.
• Allergies:
  • Specifically, mention any prior allergic reaction to gadolinium-based contrast agents used in MRI scans.
  • Also, mention any other severe allergies or a history of allergic reactions to medications or iodine (used in CT contrast).
• History of Kidney Disease: If you have known kidney problems, kidney failure, are on dialysis, or have had a kidney transplant, inform the staff. This is particularly important if contrast material is planned, due to the risk of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF).
• Claustrophobia: If you have a fear of enclosed spaces, discuss this with the staff beforehand. They can offer support, and in some cases, your referring doctor might prescribe a mild sedative if anxiety is severe. Cadabams Diagnostics aims to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
• Recent Surgeries or Tattoos: Some tattoo inks contain metallic particles, though this is rare. Extensive, dark, or older tattoos are more likely to be a concern.
• Inability to Lie Flat or Still: If you have a condition that makes it difficult to lie flat on your back for an extended period or to remain still, please inform the staff.

Being thorough and upfront about these points is crucial for a safe and effective Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Scan.