About an abdominal MRI scan
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to make detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It does not use X-rays or any other ionising radiation. An MRI of the abdomen looks at the organs and tissues in your upper tummy, and is used to find the cause of symptoms, check a known condition, or see how well treatment is working.
MRI is especially good at showing soft tissue, so it can often show detail that an ultrasound or CT scan may not. Your images are reviewed by a consultant radiologist, who writes a report on what they show.
What happens during the scan
You lie on a padded bed that slides into the scanner, which is a short tunnel open at both ends. A frame called a coil is placed over your tummy to pick up the signals. The scanner is noisy, so you will be given ear plugs or headphones. The radiographer watches from the next room and can talk to you and hear you the whole time.
Abdominal MRI pictures are clearest when there is no movement, so you will be asked to hold your breath for short periods, usually 15–20 seconds at a time. Some scans need an injection of contrast dye (gadolinium) into a vein in your arm to show certain organs or blood vessels more clearly. If you have contrast, you may be asked to wait for up to 30 minutes afterwards.
What the scan can show
An abdominal MRI can help to look at:
- the liver, including liver disease such as cirrhosis, and lumps or lesions found on another scan
- the pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts, including blockages and stones in the bile ducts
- the kidneys and adrenal glands
- the spleen and lymph nodes
- tumours in the abdominal organs; in some cases MRI can help tell whether a lump is non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant)
- blood vessels, and organs before surgery or a transplant
Preparing for your scan
For an abdominal MRI you may be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before your appointment, because an empty stomach gives clearer pictures. The scanning centre will confirm this when you book.
You can usually eat, drink and take your normal medicines as usual unless the scanning centre tells you otherwise. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zips or buttons, and leave jewellery at home. You will be asked to remove metal items such as hair clips, hearing aids, coins and keys, and you may be asked to change into a gown.
Before the scan you will complete a safety questionnaire. Tell the team if you have a pacemaker, any metal implant, surgical clips or other device, if you have kidney problems or allergies, or if you are, or might be, pregnant or breastfeeding. If you feel anxious in enclosed spaces, let us know when you book. Some centres can offer a relaxant, and if you take one you will need someone to take you home and must not drive for 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before an MRI of the abdomen?
Often, yes. Many centres ask you not to eat or drink for a few hours before an abdominal MRI so the stomach and bowel are still, which gives clearer pictures. You will be told exactly what to do when your appointment is confirmed.
Is an abdominal MRI painful?
No. The scan itself is painless. You need to lie still and hold your breath for short periods. If you need contrast dye, you will feel a small needle when the cannula goes into your arm.
Does an MRI use radiation?
No. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves, not X-rays.
Will I need a contrast injection?
Not always. It depends on what the scan is looking for. Contrast helps show some organs, lesions and blood vessels more clearly. Contrast is charged separately where it is needed.
Can I have an MRI if I have metal in my body?
Many implants, such as most joint replacements, are safe in MRI, but some devices, such as certain pacemakers, are not. Tell us about any implant when you book so it can be checked before your appointment.
Sources
- Kaiser Permanente – Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Abdomen
- UW Medicine – MRI: Abdomen Scan: How to prepare and what to expect
- RadiologyInfo.org – MRI of the Body (Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis)
- NHS – MRI scan
The information on this page has been gathered from various sources and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice. TOP MRI is not liable for the accuracy or completeness of this information. Please speak to your doctor or the scanning centre about your own situation.