MRI ABDOMEN

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the abdominal area is an advanced imaging technique used to create exceptionally clear and detailed pictures of the organs and structures within your abdomen. These include vital organs such as the liver, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, intestines, and associated blood vessels.

The primary purpose of an MRI Abdomen is to help doctors diagnose a wide range of conditions, from unexplained pain and inflammation to tumors and vascular issues. A key advantage of MRI technology is that it is a non-invasive imaging technique and, importantly, does not use ionizing radiation (like X-rays or CT scans), making it a very safe option for many patients.

What is MRI Abdomen?

An MRI Abdomen utilizes a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and advanced computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images – think of them as "slices" – of your abdomen. When you lie inside the MRI scanner, the magnetic field temporarily aligns the water molecules in your body. Radio waves are then pulsed, knocking these aligned protons out of position. As they realign, they emit signals that are detected by the MRI scanner. A computer then processes these signals to create highly detailed images of your internal anatomy.

The exceptional strength of an MRI Abdomen lies in its ability to visualize soft tissues with outstanding contrast and detail. This makes it particularly valuable for examining organs, detecting subtle abnormalities, and differentiating between various types of tissue. As mentioned, it is a radiation-free procedure, distinguishing it significantly from computed tomography (CT) scans or conventional X-rays, offering a safer alternative for certain diagnostic needs, especially when repeated imaging might be necessary. Understanding what does an mri of the abdomen show is key to appreciating its diagnostic power.

Types of MRI Abdomen

Depending on the specific clinical question your doctor is trying to answer, different types of MRI Abdomen scans or specialized sequences may be performed:

• MRI Abdomen without contrast: This is a standard scan suitable for many general indications, providing excellent soft tissue detail without the need for a contrast agent.
• MRI Abdomen with contrast (Gadolinium-based): A contrast agent is injected into a vein. This material enhances the visibility of blood vessels and can help differentiate between normal and abnormal tissue. It is particularly useful for identifying and characterizing tumors, inflammation, or infections.
• MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography): This is a specialized type of MRI Abdomen designed to visualize the biliary system (bile ducts, gallbladder) and the pancreatic duct. It is non-invasive and invaluable for detecting gallstones, blockages, or inflammation in these ducts.
• MR Enterography/Enteroclysis: This technique is optimized for detailed imaging of the small bowel. It is often used to diagnose and monitor inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease, and can show inflammation, strictures, or fistulas. It may involve drinking a special contrast agent before the scan.
• Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI): This involves acquiring images rapidly after contrast injection to assess blood flow, tissue perfusion, and how quickly tissues take up and release the contrast agent. It can be helpful in characterizing tumors and assessing treatment response.
• MRI Elastography (MRE): A specialized technique that measures the stiffness of liver tissue, non-invasively helping to diagnose and stage liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Your referring doctor, in consultation with our radiologists at Cadabams Diagnostics, will determine the most appropriate type of MRI Abdomen scan for your specific needs.

When a radiologist at Cadabams Diagnostics interprets your MRI Abdomen scan, they meticulously examine a wide range of parameters to assess the health of your abdominal organs and tissues. This detailed evaluation helps to answer the question, what does an mri of the abdomen show?

Key parameters include:

Organ Morphology:

• Size, shape, and contour: Assessing if organs like the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and adrenal glands are of normal size and shape, with smooth or irregular outlines.
• Signal Intensity: Evaluating the brightness and characteristics of tissues on different MRI sequences, which can indicate normal tissue, fluid, fat, or abnormal processes.

Detection of Abnormalities:

• Presence, location, and size of lesions: Identifying any focal abnormalities such as tumors (benign or malignant), cysts, abscesses, hematomas, or areas of inflammation or infection.
• Characteristics of lesions: Noting features like margins (well-defined or infiltrative), internal structure (solid, cystic, mixed), enhancement patterns with contrast, and any restricted diffusion (which can suggest malignancy).

Vascular Structures:

• Patency and abnormalities: Examining major abdominal blood vessels, including the aorta and its branches, inferior vena cava, portal vein and its tributaries, renal arteries and veins, mesenteric arteries and veins, checking for signs of blockages (thrombosis), narrowing (stenosis), aneurysms (dilations), or abnormal connections.

Biliary and Pancreatic Ducts (especially with MRCP):

• Assessing for dilation, strictures (narrowing), stones, or masses within the bile ducts and pancreatic duct.

Lymph Nodes:

• Evaluating the size, shape, signal characteristics, and distribution of lymph nodes in the abdomen and pelvis for signs of enlargement or suspicious features that might indicate infection, inflammation, or cancer spread (metastasis).

Peritoneal Cavity:

• Checking for the presence of abnormal fluid (ascites), inflammation (peritonitis), or masses within the lining of the abdominal cavity.

Bowel (especially with MR Enterography):

• Assessing bowel wall thickness, mucosal enhancement, presence of strictures, fistulas, or surrounding inflammation, particularly relevant for conditions like Crohn's disease.

Evidence of Internal Bleeding or Trauma:

• Identifying collections of blood or signs of organ injury in cases of trauma.

Adjacent Structures:

• Observing the lower parts of the lungs, the spine, and pelvic organs if they fall within the scanned area, for any incidental findings.

The radiologist integrates all these observations to form a comprehensive picture of your abdominal health.

There are numerous clinical reasons why your doctor might order an MRI Abdomen. This advanced imaging test provides valuable information that can lead to an accurate diagnosis and guide treatment decisions. Common reasons include:

• Diagnose the cause of persistent or unexplained abdominal or pelvic pain.
• Detect, stage, and monitor various types of cancers, including:
  • Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma) and liver metastases
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
  • Adrenal tumors
  • Lymphoma
  • Sarcomas
  • Gynecological cancers (ovarian, uterine, cervical – if pelvic region is included)
  • Colorectal cancer (for local staging or recurrence)
• Evaluate damage to abdominal organs after an injury or trauma.
• Assess chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis, fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH), iron overload (hemochromatosis), or monitor liver transplant patients.
• Investigate pancreatic conditions like acute or chronic pancreatitis, pseudocysts, or autoimmune pancreatitis.
• Examine kidney problems such as infections (pyelonephritis), congenital abnormalities, blockages (hydronephrosis), or complex cysts.
• Evaluate the spleen for enlargement (splenomegaly), lesions, or infarcts.
• Diagnose and monitor inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly Crohn's disease, to assess disease activity, extent, and complications like strictures or fistulas (often with MR Enterography).
• Examine blood vessels and blood flow in the abdomen, identifying issues like aneurysms, dissections, blockages, or congenital vascular anomalies.
• Investigate abnormalities found on other imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans that require more detailed visualization or characterization.
• Monitor the effectiveness of treatments for abdominal cancers or other conditions, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Pre-operative planning to provide surgeons with detailed anatomical roadmaps before complex abdominal surgeries.
• Evaluate the gallbladder and bile ducts for stones, inflammation, or tumors (often with MRCP).

Benefits of Taking the Test

Choosing to have an MRI Abdomen offers several significant benefits in the diagnostic process, contributing positively to your healthcare. Understanding these, along with the potential risks, allows for a balanced view of the risks and benefits of abdominal mri.

• Exceptional Soft Tissue Detail: MRI provides highly detailed images of abdominal soft tissues and organs, often superior to other imaging modalities like X-ray or CT scans. This allows for the detection of subtle abnormalities.
• No Ionizing Radiation: Unlike CT scans or X-rays, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safer option, especially for children, pregnant women (when essential), and patients requiring multiple follow-up scans.
• Excellent Differentiation of Tissues: MRI is very good at distinguishing between different types of soft tissue (e.g., fat, fluid, muscle, tumor), which helps in characterizing lesions more accurately.
• Detection of Missed Abnormalities: Due to its high sensitivity, an MRI Abdomen can sometimes detect abnormalities that might be missed by other imaging methods.
• Precise Diagnosis and Staging: The detailed images help doctors make a more precise diagnosis and accurately stage diseases (especially cancers), which is crucial for planning the most effective treatment.
• Non-Invasive Examination: It's a non-invasive way to examine complex abdominal anatomy and pathology without the need for surgical exploration in many cases.
• Guidance for Treatment: Results from an MRI Abdomen can guide treatment choices, help monitor treatment response, and assist in planning surgical and radiation therapy interventions.
• Problem Solving: It often serves as a problem-solving tool when results from other tests are inconclusive. For instance, further characterizing a liver lesion seen on ultrasound.
• Specialized Techniques: Availability of specialized MRI techniques like MRCP (for bile/pancreatic ducts), MR Enterography (for small bowel), and MRE (for liver stiffness) provides targeted diagnostic information for specific conditions.

The comprehensive information gained from an MRI Abdomen empowers your healthcare team at Cadabams Diagnostics to provide you with the best possible care.

Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Abdomen

An MRI Abdomen is a powerful tool for diagnosing a wide spectrum of illnesses affecting the abdominal organs and structures. Some of the key conditions include:

Liver Diseases:

• Benign tumors (e.g., hemangiomas, focal nodular hyperplasia, adenomas)
• Malignant tumors (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, metastases from other cancers)
• Cirrhosis and its complications (e.g., portal hypertension)
• Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis)
• Liver cysts, abscesses, and infections
• Iron overload conditions (hemochromatosis)

Pancreatic Diseases:

• Pancreatic cancer (adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors)
• Acute and chronic pancreatitis
• Pancreatic pseudocysts and cysts (e.g., IPMN)
• Autoimmune pancreatitis

Kidney and Adrenal Gland Diseases:

• Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma, Wilms' tumor)
• Benign kidney tumors (e.g., angiomyolipoma)
• Kidney cysts (simple and complex)
• Kidney infections (pyelonephritis) and abscesses
• Hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney due to urine backup)
• Congenital kidney abnormalities
• Adrenal tumors (e.g., adenomas, pheochromocytomas, adrenal cancer, metastases)

Spleen Disorders:

• Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) due to various causes (infection, liver disease, lymphoma)
• Splenic lesions (cysts, tumors, infarcts, abscesses)

Bowel Disorders (especially with MR Enterography):

• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis – for assessing extent and complications)
• Small bowel tumors
• Bowel obstructions or strictures
• Mesenteric ischemia (reduced blood flow to the intestines)

Gallbladder and Bile Duct Conditions (often with MRCP):

• Gallstones (cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis)
• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• Bile duct tumors (cholangiocarcinoma) or strictures
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Female Pelvic Organs (if included in the scope of the abdominal MRI or as a dedicated pelvic MRI):

• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts and tumors (benign and malignant)
• Endometriosis and adenomyosis
• Congenital uterine anomalies

Lymphatic System Disorders:

• Lymphoma affecting abdominal lymph nodes
• Metastatic disease to lymph nodes from other cancers

Vascular Diseases:

• Aortic aneurysms or dissections
• Renal artery stenosis
• Portal vein thrombosis
• Mesenteric artery disease

Peritoneal and Retroperitoneal Conditions:

• Ascites (fluid in the abdominal cavity)
• Peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum)
• Retroperitoneal fibrosis
• Sarcomas and other retroperitoneal tumors

This list is not exhaustive, but it highlights the broad diagnostic capabilities of an MRI Abdomen at Cadabams Diagnostics.

Proper mri abdomen preparation is essential for ensuring the quality of your scan and your comfort during the procedure. Please follow these guidelines carefully. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at Cadabams Diagnostics.

Diet:

• You will likely be asked to fast (no food or drink) for 4 to 6 hours before your MRI Abdomen exam. This is particularly important if contrast dye is planned, or if specific organs like the gallbladder, pancreas, or biliary system are being evaluated, as food in the stomach and bowel activity can interfere with image quality.
• Your doctor or our staff at Cadabams Diagnostics will provide you with specific fasting instructions. You can usually take sips of water with essential medications unless told otherwise.

Clothing:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing without any metal components such as zippers, buttons, snaps, underwires (in bras), or metallic threads.
• You will likely be asked to change into a hospital gown provided by Cadabams Diagnostics to ensure no metallic items interfere with the scan.

Metal Objects:

• Remove ALL metallic objects before entering the MRI scan room. This includes:
  • Jewelry (necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, watches)
  • Hearing aids
  • Removable dental work (dentures, bridges with metal)
  • Body piercings (if removable)
  • Hairpins, hair clips, and wigs with metal parts
  • Eyeglasses
  • Coins, keys, pens, pocket knives
  • Credit cards (the magnet can erase them)
  • Mobile phones and electronic devices
• Lockers are usually available for your valuables.

Medications:

• Inform the staff at Cadabams Diagnostics about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
• In most cases, you can continue to take your regular medications as prescribed. However, if you are diabetic and take metformin, and contrast dye is planned, there might be specific instructions.

Allergies and Medical Conditions:

• Notify our staff if you have any allergies, especially if you've had a previous allergic reaction to MRI contrast dye (gadolinium) or iodine-based contrast.
• Inform us if you have asthma, as this can slightly increase the risk of a reaction to contrast.
• Let us know about any serious health conditions, particularly kidney disease, liver disease, or if you are on dialysis.

Kidney Function Test:

• If an MRI contrast agent is planned for your MRI Abdomen, you might need a recent blood test (within the last 30-60 days) to check your kidney function (e.g., eGFR, creatinine levels). This helps ensure it's safe for you to receive the contrast. Cadabams Diagnostics will advise if this is necessary.

Claustrophobia and Anxiety:

• If you suffer from claustrophobia or anticipate significant anxiety, please discuss this with your referring doctor and our staff at Cadabams Diagnostics well in advance of your appointment. Your doctor may prescribe a mild sedative to take before the scan. If so, you will need someone to drive you home.

Arrival Time:

• Plan to arrive at Cadabams Diagnostics about 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete necessary paperwork and pre-scan checks.

Following these mri abdomen preparation steps will help ensure a smooth and effective scan.

Pre-requisites for an MRI Abdomen

Before you can undergo an MRI Abdomen at Cadabams Diagnostics, certain pre-requisites are generally needed:

• Doctor's Referral: A referral or prescription from your doctor is typically required. This outlines the reason for the scan and the specific area or condition to be investigated.
• Completed MRI Safety Screening Questionnaire: You will be asked to fill out a detailed safety questionnaire. This form helps identify any potential contraindications, such as the presence of metallic implants, a history of metal fragments in your body, or other conditions that might make the MRI unsafe for you. Answer these questions accurately and completely.
• Previous Imaging Reports/Films: If you have had previous imaging studies (like ultrasound, CT, or prior MRIs) of your abdomen, it is very helpful to bring these reports and images (if on CD) with you or ensure they are sent to Cadabams Diagnostics. This allows our radiologists to compare findings and track any changes.
• Kidney Function Test Results (if contrast is planned): As mentioned in the preparation section, if your MRI Abdomen is likely to involve a contrast agent, recent blood test results assessing your kidney function (e.g., serum creatinine and eGFR) may be required to ensure the safety of contrast administration.
• Information about Implants: If you have any implanted medical devices (e.g., pacemaker, stent, joint replacement, surgical clips), please provide as much information as possible about the make and model of the device. Some newer implants are "MRI conditional," meaning they are safe under specific MRI conditions.

Meeting these pre-requisites helps ensure your safety and allows our team at Cadabams Diagnostics to perform the MRI Abdomen most effectively for your diagnostic needs.

Best Time to Take the MRI Abdomen

Unlike some medical tests that need to be timed with specific biological cycles (e.g., certain hormone tests), an MRI Abdomen can generally be scheduled at any time that is convenient for both the patient and the imaging facility, Cadabams Diagnostics.

• No Specific Biological Timing: There is usually no specific biological timing required for an MRI Abdomen scan. The condition of your abdominal organs is not typically subject to daily fluctuations that would impact the scan's diagnostic value in this manner.
• Fasting Requirements: The main timing consideration relates to the fasting period (typically 4-6 hours) required before the scan. This means scheduling might be preferable in the morning for some, to make fasting easier.
• Acute Conditions: For acute or urgent medical conditions, the MRI Abdomen will be performed as soon as feasible to aid in rapid diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Follow-up Scans: If the MRI Abdomen is a follow-up scan to monitor a known condition or treatment response, your doctor will advise on the appropriate interval for scheduling.

Essentially, the "best time" is when you can comfortably adhere to the preparation instructions, particularly fasting, and when Cadabams Diagnostics has an available appointment slot.

Eligibility for an MRI Abdomen

Most individuals can safely undergo an MRI Abdomen. However, due to the powerful magnetic field, there are certain conditions where an MRI may not be safe (contraindications) or may require special precautions.

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

• Certain Cardiac Pacemakers or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs): Many older pacemakers and ICDs are not safe for MRI. While some newer models are "MRI-conditional," specific protocols must be followed. Always inform staff if you have one.
• Some Older Intracranial Aneurysm Clips: Certain types of clips used to treat brain aneurysms, especially older ferromagnetic ones, can be moved or dislodged by the magnet.
• Cochlear (Inner Ear) Implants: Most cochlear implants can be damaged or cause injury in an MRI.
• Certain Neurostimulators: Devices like spinal cord stimulators or brain stimulators may be contraindicated.
• Metallic Foreign Bodies in or near the Eyes: If there's a history of metal fragments (e.g., from welding or injury) in or near the eyes, an X-ray may be needed first to rule them out, as they can move and cause eye damage.
• Certain Medication Pumps (e.g., insulin pumps directly attached to the body).

Relative Contraindications (Discuss with your Doctor and MRI Technologist at Cadabams Diagnostics, as MRI may still be possible with precautions):

• Pregnancy (especially the first trimester): While MRI doesn't use ionizing radiation, it's generally avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy unless the potential benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis. Contrast agents are typically avoided throughout pregnancy.
• Severe Claustrophobia: If you have extreme fear of enclosed spaces, discuss options like open MRI (if suitable for abdominal imaging and available), sedation, or other coping strategies with your doctor and Cadabams Diagnostics.
• History of Severe Kidney Disease or Dialysis (if contrast is planned): Patients with significantly impaired kidney function are at higher risk for NSF if gadolinium contrast is used. Kidney function tests are essential.
• Inability to Lie Flat or Still: The MRI Abdomen requires lying still on your back for 30-90 minutes. If pain or other conditions prevent this, it may be difficult to obtain clear images.
• Certain Stents, Surgical Clips, or Joint Replacements: Most modern vascular stents, surgical clips, and joint replacements are MRI-safe after a certain period post-implantation. However, it's crucial to provide full details to the MRI staff.
• Tattoos or Permanent Makeup with Metallic Ink: Some older tattoo inks contain metallic components that can heat up during an MRI, causing skin irritation or burns (rare). Inform the technologist about any large or dark tattoos in the abdominal area.
• Bullet Wounds or Shrapnel: If you have shrapnel or bullets in your body, especially near vital organs, an MRI may not be possible.

Your safety is paramount at Cadabams Diagnostics. A thorough screening process is always conducted to ensure an MRI Abdomen is appropriate for you.

Procedure for Taking an MRI Abdomen

Understanding the abdominal mri procedure steps can help alleviate any anxiety and prepare you for what to expect during your MRI Abdomen scan at Cadabams Diagnostics.

1. Arrival & Check-in:
   • Arrive at Cadabams Diagnostics a bit earlier than your appointment to complete any remaining paperwork, confirm your details, and undergo a final safety screening.
   • You'll be asked questions about your medical history and any metallic implants.
2. Changing:
   • You will likely be asked to change into a metal-free hospital gown to prevent any interference from clothing.
   • You'll need to remove all jewelry, watches, hearing aids, dentures, and other metallic items. Lockers are usually provided.
3. Meeting the Technologist:
   • An MRI technologist will greet you, explain the procedure, answer any questions you have, and confirm your safety checklist.
4. Contrast Agent Preparation (If Applicable):
   • If your MRI Abdomen requires a contrast dye, an intravenous (IV) line may be inserted into a vein in your arm or hand at this stage, or later during the scan.
5. Positioning:
   • You will be asked to lie down on a comfortable, padded scanner table, usually on your back.
   • A special device called an "RF coil" (Radiofrequency coil) might be placed over or around your abdomen. This coil helps send and receive the radio wave signals that create the images and improves image quality. It's lightweight and doesn't cause discomfort.
6. Movement into the Scanner:
   • Once you are comfortably positioned, the technologist will slide the table into the center of the large, tube-shaped (or sometimes open-design) MRI machine. Your head will likely be outside the scanner for an abdominal MRI, or just at the edge.
7. During the Scan:
   • Stillness is Key: It is crucial to remain very still during the entire scanning process. Movement can blur the images, making them difficult to interpret and potentially requiring sequences to be repeated.
   • Loud Noises: The MRI machine will produce a series of loud thumping, buzzing, clicking, or knocking noises as it captures images. This is normal. You will be provided with earplugs or headphones, often with music, to reduce the noise and protect your hearing.
   • Communication: The technologist will be in an adjacent control room but can see you through a window, hear you, and speak to you via an intercom system at all times. You will often be given a call bell or squeeze-ball to alert the technologist if you need assistance.
   • Breath-Holding: For some imaging sequences of the abdomen, especially when looking at organs affected by breathing motion like the liver or spleen, you may be asked to hold your breath for short periods (typically 10-25 seconds at a time). The technologist will give you clear instructions.
   • Scan Sequences: The scan is performed in several sequences, each lasting a few minutes. There will be short pauses between sequences.
8. Contrast Injection (If Applicable):
   • If a contrast agent is part of your MRI Abdomen, it will be injected through the IV line, usually partway through the scan.
   • You might feel a cool sensation spreading through your arm or body, a temporary metallic taste in your mouth, or a brief warm flush. These are common and usually pass quickly. Inform the technologist if you experience any unusual or uncomfortable sensations.
9. Duration of the Scan:
   • An MRI Abdomen typically takes between 30 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the number of imaging sequences required, whether contrast is used, and the specific area being examined. The technologist can give you a more precise estimate.
10. End of Scan:

• Once all the images are acquired, the table will slide out of the scanner.
• The technologist will assist you off the table. If an IV line was placed, it will be removed.

11. After the Scan:

• Unless you received sedation, you can usually resume your normal activities immediately.
• If contrast dye was used, it's a good idea to drink plenty of fluids for the rest of the day to help your kidneys flush it out.
• If you received sedation, you will need someone to drive you home and should rest for the remainder of the day.

The skilled technologists at Cadabams Diagnostics are dedicated to making your abdominal mri procedure steps as comfortable and efficient as possible.

Caution Before Taking the Test

Before your MRI Abdomen at Cadabams Diagnostics, it is critically important to inform our staff (receptionist, technologist, or radiologist) of certain conditions or circumstances. This ensures your safety and the quality of the scan:

• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, suspect you might be pregnant, or are trying to conceive, please inform us. MRI is generally avoided in the first trimester unless urgently needed.
• Metallic or Electronic Implants/Devices: This is the most critical safety concern. You MUST inform us if you have ANY of the following:
  • Cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
  • Cochlear (inner ear) implants
  • Older brain aneurysm clips (especially ferromagnetic ones)
  • Neurostimulators (for spine, brain, pain, etc.)
  • Metal fragments or foreign bodies in your body, especially in or near your eyes (e.g., shrapnel, metal slivers from welding/grinding)
  • Implanted drug infusion pumps (e.g., insulin pump, pain medication pump)
  • Artificial heart valves (provide type if known)
  • Stents (coronary, peripheral vascular)
  • Surgical clips or staples
  • Artificial joints (hip, knee, etc.)
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs) – most are MRI safe, but good to declare
  • Dental implants or fixed bridgework (usually safe, but let us know)
  • Shunts (e.g., VP shunt)
  • Bone growth stimulators
  • Any other implanted or surgically placed metallic item.
  • Provide as much detail as possible about any implant, including type, manufacturer, and date of implantation, if known.
• Allergies:
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to MRI contrast dye (gadolinium) in the past.
  • If you have allergies to iodine, other medications, or have severe allergic conditions like asthma.
• Kidney Problems:
  • If you have a history of kidney disease, kidney failure, are on dialysis, or have had a kidney transplant. This is especially important if contrast dye is planned for your MRI Abdomen.
• Claustrophobia:
  • If you suffer from claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces). We can discuss strategies to help you, or your doctor may consider mild sedation.
• Breastfeeding:
  • If you are currently breastfeeding and contrast dye is planned. While most guidelines suggest it's safe to continue breastfeeding, some women prefer to pump and discard milk for 12-24 hours post-contrast. Discuss this with our staff and your doctor.
• Inability to Lie Still:
  • If you have a condition that makes it difficult for you to lie still for an extended period (e.g., severe pain, tremors).
• Tattoos or Permanent Makeup:
  • Especially large, dark tattoos or permanent makeup in the abdominal region, particularly if they are older, as some inks contain metallic components.
• Recent Surgery:
  • If you have had very recent surgery, especially if staples or temporary devices are still in place.

Open communication with the Cadabams Diagnostics team about these points is vital for a safe and successful MRI Abdomen.