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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the
Abdomen
Last Revised: January 25, 2013
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Donald Sproule, MDCM, CCFP - Family
Medicine & Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology
Test Overview
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test done with a large machine that uses a magnetic field
and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the belly. In
many cases MRI gives information about structures in the body that cannot be seen as well with
an X-ray , ultrasound , or CT scan .
For an MRI test, you are placed inside the magnet so that your belly is inside the strong
magnetic field. MRI can find changes in the structure of organs or other tissues. It also can find
tissue damage or disease, such as infection or a tumour. Pictures from an MRI scan are digital
images that can be saved and stored on a computer for further study. The images also can be
reviewed remotely, such as in a clinic or an operating room. Photographs or films of selected
pictures can also be made.
In some cases, contrast material may be used during the MRI scan to show certain structures
more clearly in the pictures. The contrast material may be used to check blood flow, find some
types of tumours, and show areas of inflammation or infection.
Although MRI is a safe and valuable test for looking at structures and organs inside the body, it
is more expensive than other imaging methods and may not be available in all medical centres.
You may be able to have an MRI with an open MRI machine that doesn't enclose your entire
body. But open MRI machines aren't available everywhere. The pictures from an open MRI may
not be as good as those from a standard MRI machine .
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Abdomen http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/medicaltests/content.asp?hwid=tu6363
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