Magnetic Resonance Imaging Of The Abdomen And Pelvis

What you should know

• A magnetic resonance imaging scan is also called an MRI. An MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to take pictures of the inside of your body. An MRI of the abdomen and pelvis is done to take pictures of the organs in your abdomen (stomach and torso area) and pelvis (area between and including your hips).
  
  
• If you have symptoms such as abdominal or pelvic pain, an abdominal and pelvic MRI can show what is causing your symptoms. If you are at high risk of getting a certain disease, an MRI can be used to check for signs of the disease. An MRI can be used before a procedure to help caregivers plan it, or during a procedure to guide them. If you are being treated for a medical condition, an MRI can show caregivers how well your treatment is working. This will help you and your caregiver decide on the best treatment for you.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Risks

• If dye is used during your MRI, it may damage your kidneys. This risk is higher if you have diabetes or kidney disease. If you have metal in or on your body during the MRI, the metal may heat to a dangerous level and cause a burn. If you recently had surgery to place a coil, stent, or filter in your body, it may move out of place during the MRI. An MRI can make medical devices work wrong, or stop working. You may have short-term hearing loss after an MRI. An MRI may not show certain medical problems, or it may show a problem that is not really there.
  
  
• If you choose not to have an MRI, a medical problem may not be found. If the problem is not found and treated, it may get worse. Without an MRI, a disease may not be found in the early stages, when it may be treated more easily. If you have symptoms, such as pain or bleeding, your symptoms may get worse. If you have a lump, it may grow bigger. Having an MRI before or during surgery helps caregivers plan for and complete the surgery. Without an MRI, you may not know if a treatment that you are getting is working. Your condition may get worse, and you may die. Talk to your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about having an MRI of the abdomen and pelvis.

Getting Ready

Before the test:

• Tell your caregiver if you know or think you might be pregnant.
  
  
• Ask caregivers for directions about eating and drinking. Depending on the reason for your MRI, you may need to avoid eating or drinking anything for a certain number of hours before your MRI.

The day of the test:

• Write down the correct date, time, and location of your procedure.
  
  
• You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal document called a consent form. It gives caregivers permission to do the procedure or surgery. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Make sure all your questions are answered before you sign this form.
  
  
• Ask caregivers for directions about emptying your bowel. Your bowel may need to be empty before the MRI is done. To do this, you may need to have an enema (liquid medicine) put into your rectum. You may also need to drink medicine to help empty your bowel before the test.
  
  
• Caregivers may insert an intravenous tube (IV) into your vein. A vein in the arm is usually chosen. Through the IV tube, you may be given liquids and medicine.
  
  
• If you are afraid of small spaces, being inside the MRI machine may make you worried or scared. Caregivers may offer you medicine, or you may be able to listen to music to help you relax. A friend or family member may be able to stay with you during the MRI.

Treatment

What will happen:

• You will be asked to remove jewelry, earrings, and all removable metal objects. If you have a medical device, it may need to be turned off before your MRI. Caregivers may give you dye to drink, or the dye may be given through your IV or in your rectum. You will lie down on a table with your arms at your sides or over your head. Your caregiver may put padding and cushions around and under you. You may be given earplugs or headphones to decrease the noise of the MRI machine. The table slides into the round tube in the center of the machine. You will hear loud banging, tapping, or chirping noises as the machine takes pictures. The noise is caused by the magnets in the machine moving during the test. Caregivers may tell you to hold your breath at times during the test.
  
  
• You will need to lie very still during the test so the pictures are clear. If you suddenly feel odd, or feel a warm or hot area on your body during the MRI, tell caregivers immediately. A procedure, such as collecting a biopsy (sample) of tissue, may be done during the MRI. If you need a procedure done during your MRI, ask caregivers for more information about it.

After the test:

Do not get out of bed until your caregiver says it is okay. If medicine patches or medical devices were removed before the MRI, they will be put back on. If you have a medical device, caregivers will check it to make sure it is working as it should. Your IV may be removed. When your caregiver sees that you are okay, you may be able to go home. If you are staying in the hospital, you will be taken to your room.

Waiting area:

This is an area where your family and friends can wait until you are able to have visitors. Ask your visitors to provide a way to reach them if they leave the waiting area.

Contact a caregiver if

• You cannot make it to your MRI.
  
  
• You think you may be pregnant.

Learn more about Magnetic Resonance Imaging Of The Abdomen And Pelvis (Precare)