Abdominal MRI
Alternate Names : Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Abdomen, MRI of the Abdomen, NMR - Abdomen, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance - Abdomen
 See all Pictures & Images
How to Prepare for the Test?
No preparatory tests, diets, or medications are usually needed, unless the colon needs to be cleansed (with preparations such as a laxative or an enema). An MRI can be performed immediately after other imaging studies. Depending on the area of interest, the patient may be asked to fast for 4 to 6 hours prior to the scan.
Because of the strong magnets, certain metallic objects are not allowed into the room. Items such as jewelry, watches, credit cards, and hearing aids can be damaged. Pins, hairpins, metal zippers, and similar metallic items can distort the images. Removable dental work should be taken out just prior to the scan. Pens, pocketknives, and eyeglasses can become dangerous projectiles when the magnet is activated and should not accompany the patient into the scanner area.
Because the strong magnetic fields can displace or disrupt the action of implanted metallic objects, people with cardiac pacemakers cannot be scanned and should not enter the MRI area. MRI also should not be used for people with metallic objects in their bodies such as inner ear (cochlear) implants, brain aneurysm clips, some artificial heart valves, older vascular stents, and recently placed artificial joints. Sheet metal workers, or persons with similar potential exposure to small metal fragments, will first be screened for metal shards within the eyes with X-rays of the skull. The patient will be asked to sign a consent form confirming that none of the above issues apply before the study will be performed.
A hospital gown may be recommended, or the patient may be allowed to wear clothing without metal fasteners.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
Today's Top News Stories | • | More Than 60,000 Patients Risked Hepatitis Infections - Jan 06, 2009, 16:00
Poor infection-control practices to blame, U.S. study finds. | • | Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 6, 2009 - Jan 06, 2009, 10:47
- Migraine (Pediatric)
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
| • | Researchers Report Progress in Fight Against Fat - Jan 06, 2009, 12:00
Two drugs and a genetic variation are focus of promising studies. | • | Deep Brain Stimulation Helps Those With Advanced Parkinson's - Jan 06, 2009, 16:00
Study found both physical function and quality of life improved. | • | Health Care Spending in U.S. Grew at Lowest Rate in a Decade - Jan 06, 2009, 09:00
But consumers are still paying more for out-of-pocket expenses, reports say. |
|
