MRI Abdomen & Pelvis

What is an MRI Abdomen & Pelvis?

An MRI Abdomen & Pelvis is a painless scan that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create 3-D pictures of your liver, kidneys, bladder, uterus, prostate and other soft organs. The entire test usually takes 20–40 minutes while you lie comfortably on a padded table.

Key differences from CT or ultrasound

• No radiation – unlike CT scans
• Sharper soft-tissue detail – beats ultrasound for small tumours or endometriosis
• Multi-angle views – images can be sliced in any direction, helping doctors see hidden areas

• Upper abdomen: liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands
• Lower abdomen & pelvis: bladder, uterus, ovaries, prostate, rectum
• Vascular & nodal: abdominal aorta, iliac vessels, lymph nodes

• Evaluate unexplained pain or lumps
• Cancer staging & follow-up – liver, colorectal, gynaecologic or prostate cancers
• Inflammatory bowel assessment – detect strictures, fistulas, or active disease

• Zero ionising radiation – safe for children and repeat follow-ups
• High-resolution images – spot lesions as small as a few millimetres
• Early detection – improves treatment success and reduces complications

• Liver tumours & cirrhosis
• Endometriosis & fibroids
• Prostate and rectal cancers
• Kidney cysts or tumours
• Appendicitis or diverticulitis complications

• Fast 4–6 h before the scan (plain water allowed)
• List allergies and medications, especially metformin
• Remove metal objects: jewellery, hairpins, hearing aids
• Wear cotton clothing or change into our provided gown

• Recent creatinine report if contrast is planned (within 4 weeks)
• Declare pregnancy or breastfeeding; MRI without contrast is usually safe
• Bring prior scans or reports for comparison

• Morning slots after an overnight fast reduce waiting time
• Menstruating patients: schedule days 5–10 of cycle if checking uterus/ovaries (as advised by your gynaecologist)

• Adults & children ≥ 5 y (younger kids may need sedation)
• Weight limit: 150 kg; wide-bore scanner available for larger BMI

1. Check-in (15 min): verify form, metal screening
2. Positioning (5 min): lie on table; abdomen coil placed
3. Scan (20–40 min): hold breath for short sequences; contrast injected midway if required
4. Post-scan (5 min): quick visual check; you can dress and leave

• Kidney function: inform if eGFR < 30 mL/min
• Claustrophobia: request sedation tablet 30 min prior
• Allergies: rare gadolinium reactions; on-site medical team ready

Contraindications (pacemaker, implants)

• Pacemakers, cochlear implants, and certain aneurysm clips may be unsafe
• Always bring device card or inform the technologist

Claustrophobia and sedation options

• Open-bore MRI available at Cadabams Diagnostics for mild anxiety
• Oral sedation provided if requested; arrange a driver if sedated