Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Of The Abdomen: What To Think About

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What To Think About

• Sometimes your MRI test results may be different than those from CT, ultrasound, or X-ray tests because the MRI scan is more specific.
• An abdominal CT scan or abdominal ultrasound is generally done before an MRI of the abdomen. Another test that may be done before or after an MRI of the abdomen is called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). For more information, see the medical tests CT Scan of the Body, Abdominal Ultrasound, and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram.
• Open MRI machines are now made so that the magnet does not completely surround you. Open MRI is useful for people who are claustrophobic or obese. But these machines are not available everywhere. Also, these machines may not be able to do all the studies needed to check for problems.
• Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) is a special MRI method that studies blood vessels and blood flow. For more information, see the medical test Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA).
• Contrast material that contains gadolinium may cause a serious skin problem (called nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy) in people with kidney failure. Tell your doctor if you have serious kidney disease before having an MRI scan.

Last updated:	April 10, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer