What is assessed in an abdominal MRI?
Abdominal MRI allows assessment of the organs of the upper abdomen — the liver, the gallbladder and bile ducts, the pancreas, the spleen, the kidneys and the adrenal glands — and the tissues around them. It is particularly useful for characterising lesions already identified on other exams (ultrasound or CT).
MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) is an MRI technique that studies the bile ducts and the pancreatic duct non-invasively — without contrast and without endoscopy — unlike ERCP (the endoscopic procedure). Because it uses a magnetic field, it involves no ionising radiation. The report is written by a radiologist; the clinical interpretation rests with your treating doctor.
In addition to the study of the upper abdomen, targeted MRI studies of a single organ may be carried out — for example, MRI of the pancreas, renal MRI or MRI of the adrenal glands — according to the clinical indication.
When it is requested
- Characterisation of liver lesions (cysts, haemangiomas, nodules) seen on another exam.
- Surveillance in chronic liver disease, according to medical guidance.
- Study of the bile ducts (MRCP) — suspected stones in the common bile duct, dilated bile ducts or jaundice to clarify.
- Study of the pancreas — chronic pancreatitis, lesions or cysts.
- Characterisation of adrenal nodules.
- Study of the kidneys and urinary tract, in specific situations.
What the exam is like
- 1Before
Reception and safety questionnaire
You come having fasted for 4 hours and fill in the safety questionnaire. Note any recent kidney-function blood test, if you have one.
- 2
Changing room and venous access
You remove any metal objects and put on a gown. When contrast is used, a venous line is placed in your arm.
- 3
Positioning
You lie on your back, with a body coil over your abdomen.
- 4
Breath-holds
At several points you will be asked to hold your breath, on breathing out, for a few seconds — this is the most important thing you can do to help produce sharp images.
- 530–45 min
Image acquisition
Several sequences, including MRCP. When indicated, contrast is given, sometimes one specific to the liver.
- 6
Finishing up
You get dressed and can leave without needing anyone to accompany you.
Preparation
- Changing and clothing: as a rule, you undress and stay in underwear with no metal parts — usually pants and socks. Depending on the area, the radiographer may allow you to keep some clothing on. You are given a gown.
- Fasting: 4 hours beforehand (it helps with the study of the bile ducts). You may drink water, unless told otherwise.
- Contrast and kidney function: a recent kidney-function blood test may be requested; let us know of any kidney disease.
- Breathing: the exam requires you to hold your breath (on breathing out) at a few points; let us know if you find this difficult.
- Pregnancy: always let us know; it affects the use of contrast.
- Documents: your referral, your insurer/scheme card (if you have an agreement), and any previous abdominal exams (ultrasound, CT, previous MRI).
Results
The report is written by a radiologist from the images. The report is available as a PDF (by email or printed) and the images on CD and on CRMA's imaging platform, to take to your treating doctor — gastroenterologist, surgeon, family doctor or other.