MRI ABDOMEN & PELVIS

MRI Abdomen & Pelvis Overview

MRI Abdomen & Pelvis Overview 

The non-invasive test known as An MRI of Abdomen and Pelvis employs magnets and radio waves to capture the detailed pictures of abdominal and pelvic cavities, unlike most imaging modalities, MRI does not expose patients to ionizing radiation. It is often employed to determine the health status of the organs in the abdominal cavity such as the liver, biliary system (gallbladder and bile ducts), pancreas, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, and pelvic organs. 

What is MRI Abdomen and Pelvis? 

MRI Abdomen and Pelvis are imaging techniques related to the abdomen where a magnetic field is applied along with radio waves to an individual and during the exposure the images of the internal structures are generated. The imaging is done with the help of a big cylindrical formed device that is placed around the body of a patient. The imaging device creates strong magnetic fields which causes hydrogen atoms in the body to align. Subsequently, radio waves are applied, disturbing these atoms, producing signals which are then used to form detailed images of the structures. 

 Types of MRI Abdomen & Pelvis 

MRI Abdomen & Pelvis include several types, such as the following: 

• Contrast MRI: utilizes a contrast agent to improve image quality. 
• Non-contrast MRI: does not use a contrast agent. 
• Functional MRI (fMRI): assesses alterations in blood flow and oxygen levels 
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): imaging of blood vessels 

List of Parameters Considered During MRI Abdomen & Pelvis

 The following parameters are considered by medical practitioners during MRI Abdomen & Pelvis: 

• Liver function and structure 
• Pancreas function and structure 
• Gall bladder function and structure  
• Kidney function and structure  
• Adrenal glands function and structure  
• Pelvic organs function and structure  
• Tumours or cancers presence 
• Chronic and acute inflammatory or infectious diseases 

Reasons for Taking an MRI Abdomen & Pelvis

The following conditions or symptoms may require the use of an MRI Abdomen & Pelvis: 

• Abdominal pain or discomfort   
• Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area   
• Nausea   
•  Vomiting   
• Fever   
• Weight Loss   
• Blood in urine or stool 
• Suspected liver or pancreatic disease 
• Possible kidney disease 
• Suspected gallstones or bile duct obstruction 

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

You could be asked to take an MRI Abdomen & Pelvis for the following reasons: 

• Chronic abdominal pain or ache. 
• Chronic pain in the pelvic area. 
• Concerns or suspicion of pancreatic disorders. 
• Disease related to gallbladder and bile duct with stone formation. 
• Checking the functioning of the kidney or if any kidney disease is suspected. 
• Checking the functioning of the adrenal gland or suspicion of adrenal gland disease. 
• Any neoplasm found in the abdominal or pelvic region. 
• On-going treatment of cancer in the abdomen or pelvic region. 
• This examination is often helpful in the work-up of patients who have symptoms or conditions requiring precise imaging of the abdomen and pelvis. It also helps in assessing the development of certain diseases or conditions. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

MRI Abdomen and pelvis scans provide the following advantages:  

• Enhancement of internal structures, scanned through intricate imaging 
• Non-invasive and non-intrusive method 
• Precise identification of certain conditions that may be difficult to determine through other methods 
• Ability to track the disease’s progression, or other concerning conditions

Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Abdomen & Pelvis

 The extension of MRI usage has allowed easy detection of these diseases:  

• Liver cancer 
• Pancreatic cancer 
• Gallstones 
• Bile duct blockage or obstruction 
• Kidney disease 
• Adrenal gland disease 
• Prolapse of pelvic organs 

Preparing for MRI Abdomen & Pelvis

For an effective MRI Abdomen & Pelvis scan, patients need to:  

• Show up to their appointment 30 minutes prior to the appointment 
• Take off all metal items, including clothes with metal zippers 
• Put-on loose-fitting clothes 
• Do not eat or drink anything 4 hours in advance of the test.  
• Report any medical conditions or allergies to the technologist.   

Pre-requisites  

An MRI of the Abdomen and Pelvis has no specific prerequisites, but patients must notify their doctor or technologist about any medical conditions or allergies.  

Best Time to Take the Test 

Although the test can be done at any time, it is best done in the morning or early afternoon to decrease chances of being delayed.  

Eligibility 

This imaging test is recommended for patients with pelvic and abdominal symptoms who need detailed imaging. However, some patients with other underlying conditions like kidney disease or metal implants may not qualify for the test.  

Procedure for Taking an MRI Abdomen & Pelvis  

The procedure for taking an MRI Abdomen & Pelvis consists of the following steps:  

1. The patient lies down on a table which will be moved into the MRI machine.  

2. The technologist provides a step-by-step explanation of the test and responds to any questions.  

3. A contrast agent is administered if needed.  

4. The MRI machine is turned on, and the test commences. 

5. The healthcare provider instructs the patient not to move and to hold their breath for a few seconds at a time. 

6. The evaluation usually lasts from 30 minutes to 1 hour.  

Caution Before Taking the Test 

Patients must inform their physician or the technologist about their health issues or allergies before proceeding with the examination. Moreover, they need to tell the technologist about any metal implants or other devices.