What is the abdomen and pelvis MRI?

• Magnetic resonance imaging is anon invasive diagnostic exam that produces detailed images of your body.
• An MRI machine doesn’t use an x-ray but use a powerful magnetic field,radio wave and computer to create images.
• MRI doesn’t use radiation and can be done without contrast or with contrast when needed (gadolinium contrast material which is safe and less likely to cause allergic reaction).
• An MRI of the abdomen and pelvis is done to take pictures of the organs in your abdomen (stomach , liver , pancreas , kidneys and intestine ) and pelvis (area between and including your hips),
To diagnose any injuries or diseases affect abdomen and pelvis such as tumors and inflammations.

Why do I need abdomen and pelvis MRI?

MR imaging of the abdomen and pelvis is performed to evaluate:
• organs of the abdomen, such as the liver, biliary tract, kidneys, spleen, bowel, pancreas, and adrenal glands.
• organs of the pelvis, such as the bladder and the reproductive organs such as the uterus and ovaries in females and the prostate gland in males.
• Blood vessels (including MR Angiography).
• Lymph nodes.
Doctors use MRI to help diagnose or monitor treatment for conditions such as:
• Tumors of the abdomen or pelvis.
• Diseases of the liver, such as cirrhosis, and abnormalities of the bile ducts and pancreas.
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Abnormal blood vessels and inflamed vessels (vasculitis).
• a fetus in the womb of a pregnant woman.

How to Prepare for Abdomen and Pelvis MRI ?

You should not have to do too much to prepare for Abdomen and pelvis MRI. You may be able to eat, drink and take your medications as usual. However, if your doctor ordered a scan for other parts of your body, such as your abdominal region, they may instruct you not to drink or eat four to six hours before the test.
MRI machine is essentially a magnet; it can interact with metals, thus creating a blurry image. That’s why it helps to leave metal items at home before your appointment, or remove them before you enter the scanning room. You can prepare for Abdomen and pelvis MRI of time by removing the following items from your body and pockets:
• Body piercings
• Pens
• Jewelry
• Hearing aids
• Pins
• Hairpins
• Zippers or any metal clothing fasteners.
• Removable dental work.

Before you schedule your appointment forAbdomen and pelvis MRI, make sure to inform the medical staff if you have any of the following conditions:
• Brain aneurysm clips, metal plates or any metal implants.
• Artificial heart valve.
• Pacemaker.
• Inner ear implants.
• Artificial joints.
• Women should always inform their physician and the MRI technologist if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant.
• You should inform your doctor of all medications you are taking and if you have any allergies.
• Inform your doctor of any recent illnesses or other medical conditions and whether you have a history of heart disease, asthma, and diabetes or kidney disease.

In case of contrast Examinations:
• You should not to eat or drink anything (fasting) for a few hours (4 to 6 h) before the exam.
• You should do renal functions test.