About an abdomen and pelvis MRI scan
An MRI scan of the abdomen and pelvis combines two areas in one appointment. It gives detailed pictures of the organs in your upper tummy (such as the liver, kidneys and pancreas) and your lower tummy and pelvis (such as the bowel, bladder and reproductive organs). MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves rather than X-rays, so there is no radiation.
Doctors often choose this scan when symptoms could come from anywhere in the tummy, to look at a condition that affects both areas such as inflammatory bowel disease, or to check how far a known condition has spread. A consultant radiologist reviews the images and writes your report.
What happens during the scan
You lie on a padded bed that slides into the scanner, with a coil placed over your tummy and pelvis. The scanner makes loud knocking sounds, so you will wear ear plugs or headphones. You will be asked to keep still and hold your breath for short periods while some pictures are taken. Because two areas are scanned, this examination takes longer than a scan of a single area.
Some abdomen and pelvis scans need an injection of contrast dye (gadolinium). Some centres also give an injection of a muscle relaxant called Buscopan, which slows down the natural movement of the bowel so the pictures are sharper. Buscopan can cause short-lived blurred vision, a dry mouth or a faster heartbeat, so you should not drive until these effects have worn off.
What the scan can show
An abdomen and pelvis MRI can help to look at:
- the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and adrenal glands
- the bowel, including inflammation from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- the bladder and the reproductive organs (the uterus and ovaries, or the prostate)
- lumps, cysts and tumours, and whether a condition has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes
- blood vessels in the abdomen and pelvis
- fluid collections and abscesses
Preparing for your scan
You may be asked not to eat for a few hours before the scan, and for some pelvic scans you may be asked to arrive with a comfortably full bladder. The scanning centre will give you exact instructions when you book. If you have diabetes, tell us when booking so the instructions can be adjusted for you.
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.
If you have glaucoma, let the team know, as it may affect whether Buscopan can be used. If you are breastfeeding and are given contrast dye, ask the radiographer for advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an abdominal MRI and an abdomen and pelvis MRI?
An abdominal MRI covers the upper tummy (liver, pancreas, kidneys and nearby organs). An abdomen and pelvis MRI also includes the lower tummy and pelvis, such as the bowel, bladder and reproductive organs, so it covers a larger area and takes longer.
How long does an abdomen and pelvis MRI take?
Usually around 45 minutes to an hour, though it can take longer if extra pictures or contrast are needed. Allow extra time at the centre for checking in and the safety questionnaire.
Why might I be given an injection of Buscopan?
Buscopan relaxes the bowel so it moves less during the scan, which gives clearer pictures. Its side effects, such as blurred vision, usually wear off quickly, but you should not drive until they have.
Is it cheaper to book the abdomen and pelvis together?
Yes. The combined scan is priced as one examination, which usually costs less than booking the abdomen and pelvis as two separate scans.
Sources
- RadiologyInfo.org – MRI of the Body (Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis)
- NHS – MRI scan
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS – MRI patient information leaflet
- Dorset County Hospital NHS – MRI Small Bowel leaflet (Buscopan)
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.