Introduction
The MRI examination of the abdomen (also known as abdominal MRI) is one of the imaging procedures in medicine. MRI is called magnetic resonance imaging or nuclear spin tomography. The abdomen is the medical term for the abdominal cavity.
Depending on how many hydrogen atoms a particular body tissue contains, it is displayed differently in the final MRI image. This makes it possible to differentiate between the various organs of the abdomen (abdominal cavity). With the MRI, all parts of the body can be examined without exposing the body to harmful radiation.
MRI is particularly suitable for imaging soft tissue. CT (computed tomography) is more suitable for assessing bone structures. The MRI examination of the abdomen refers to an imaging of the abdominal cavity using MRI. It can be recommended and performed by doctors in various cases.
IndicationsWhen do you need an MRI of the abdomen?
An MRI examination can be carried out by doctor’s order in case of suspicion of various diseases. MRI is mostly used for diagnostic purposes, but it also serves to assess the course of various diseases, for example to evaluate the effectiveness of cancer therapy. Examples where an MRI examination of the abdomen can be performed include MRI of the abdomen can be used to clarify stomach, liver, kidney and pancreas tumors or gynecological tumors.
- Unclear abdominal pain
- Suspicion of inflammatory processes in the abdomen, for example abscesses
- Changes in blood vessels in the abdominal cavity
- Malformations of the various abdominal organs (then e.g. MRI of the liver) or
- Also in the context of malignant diseases.
Contraindications
In some cases no MRI examination may be performed. Since a strong magnetic field acts on the patient during the examination, the patient must not have any metal parts on or in his body. Contraindications are therefore piercings, tattoos containing metal, metal implants, implanted defibrillators, pacemakers and mechanical heart valves (with exceptions).
If contrast medium is necessary for the MRI examination, the kidney function must be checked. If the kidney function is insufficient, contrast medium must not be administered. This should also be avoided during pregnancy.
If you are intolerant to iodine, no contrast medium containing iodine should be used. As a rule, contrast media containing iodine are no longer used today. If metal parts remain in or on the body during the examination, these metal parts may be detached by the magnetic field.
This can lead to a dislocation of implants in the body with damage to neighboring structures. Free metal parts can be attracted by the magnet in the MRI machine and cause injury to the patient. Metal make-up and tattoos can be heated by the magnetic field and cause tingling sensations and even burns.
In addition, the administration of contrast medium can lead to an intolerance reaction, which in the worst case can lead to an allergic shock. Slighter side effects after the administration of contrast medium can be expressed by headaches, skin tingling, discomfort or feelings of heat or cold. However, this is usually harmless and disappears again after a short time.
Persons with claustrophobia or strong sensitivity to noise may feel uncomfortable during the examination, as the MRI tube is quite narrow and loud noises are produced repeatedly during the examination. This should be discussed with a doctor in advance. Damage caused by the MRI examination itself is not to be expected, since no radioactive radiation is used. According to current knowledge, no damage to the unborn child is to be expected from the MRI, even in pregnant women.
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