Contrast medium for an MRT of the abdomen

In order to achieve a better representation of desired structures in the MRI, contrast agents must be used in some cases. This is usually administered via a vein. However, during the MRI examination of the gastrointestinal tract it may be necessary to drink contrast medium.

This then directly wets the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and leads to a better image there. To ensure that the wetting of the mucous membranes is as uniform as possible, the liquid should be taken gradually within about one hour. It may take some time until the contrast medium has actually reached all areas.

Therefore, the MRI examination will not be performed immediately after drinking the contrast medium. Under certain circumstances, diarrhoea can occur due to the high fluid intake with the contrast medium. However, this is considered harmless and disappears again within a short time.

MRI of the kidney

The kidney can be assessed very well by means of an MRT examination of the abdomen. For example, the sectional images produced can reveal changes in organ structure, tumors or other anomalies of the kidneys and the urinary tract. A contrast agent can also be administered to improve the image quality.

With regard to the administration of contrast medium, the patient’s kidney function must be taken into account, since the contrast medium cannot be excreted well if kidney function is impaired. In addition, the kidney can be further damaged by the contrast medium. If the kidney function is intact, the MRI examination with contrast medium is not considered problematic.

Being fasting during the MRI examination is only necessary when examining the abdominal organs. Other MRI scans do not usually require a fasting. Especially for images of the intestine it is important that the patient is absolutely fasting, otherwise the intestinal walls cannot be assessed.

For this reason, a laxative is drunk the day before such an examination. From the evening before, only clear liquids may be taken so that the intestine remains free of stool residues. During the examination, the patient is then given a contrast medium as well as a liquid that unfolds the intestine. Sometimes an additional agent is given to calm the intestinal motor functions, so that the image quality can be increased. After the examination, the patient can usually eat normally again.