About a liver MRI scan
The liver sits in the upper right side of the abdomen, under the ribs. A liver MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not X-rays, to make detailed pictures of the liver and the structures around it, including the gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen and blood vessels.
Liver lumps (lesions) are often found by chance on an ultrasound or CT scan done for another reason. Many are harmless, such as simple cysts or haemangiomas – the most common non-cancerous liver lump, made of a tangle of blood vessels and found more often in women. When an ultrasound cannot say for certain what a lump is, MRI is one of the main tests used to tell harmless lumps from ones that need further investigation. It is also used to monitor known liver conditions such as cirrhosis and to look for spread of cancer to the liver.
Most liver MRI scans include an injection of contrast dye (gadolinium) into a vein in your arm, to show how lumps take up blood over time. Some centres use a liver-specific contrast (such as Primovist) which helps show the number, size and nature of any lumps; this may involve a further set of pictures later in the appointment. Where contrast is needed, it is charged separately.
What happens during the scan
You lie on your back on the scanner bed with a coil placed over your upper abdomen. The scanner is loud, so you will wear ear plugs or headphones, and the radiographer can talk to you throughout. You will be asked to hold your breath many times, usually for around 15–20 seconds, so breathing does not blur the pictures. If contrast is used, it is injected through a small cannula partway through the scan.
What the scan can show
A liver MRI can help to look at:
- liver lumps found on ultrasound or CT, such as cysts, haemangiomas and other benign growths
- liver cancer and spread of cancer to the liver (metastases)
- cirrhosis and other long-term liver disease, including monitoring over time
- fat and iron build-up in the liver
- the bile ducts, gallbladder and blood vessels of the liver
Fatty liver disease is usually diagnosed with blood tests and an ultrasound scan; your doctor will advise whether an MRI is needed.
Preparing for your scan
You will usually be asked not to eat for around 4 hours before the scan, as food in the stomach and bowel can blur the pictures; the centre will confirm the exact instructions when you book. You can usually take your regular medicines with a little water.
If contrast is likely, tell the centre if you have kidney problems, asthma or allergies, have had a reaction to contrast dye before, or have had or are expecting a liver transplant. A kidney function blood test may be needed, especially if you are over 65. Upload any previous ultrasound, CT or blood test results when you book.
You can usually eat, drink and take your normal medicines 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
A lump was found on my liver. Should I worry?
Many liver lumps found by chance are harmless, such as cysts or haemangiomas. An MRI can often show what a lump is, and your doctor will explain the results and whether anything further is needed.
Will I need a contrast injection?
Usually, yes. Contrast shows how a lump takes up blood, which helps identify it. It is charged separately. Some centres use a liver-specific contrast, which may mean extra pictures later in the appointment.
Why do I need to hold my breath?
The liver moves as you breathe. Holding your breath for short periods keeps it still so the pictures are sharp. The radiographer will tell you exactly when to breathe in, out and hold.
Do I need a referral?
You can tell us if you have a referral from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant and upload it when you book. If you do not have one, select “no referral” when you book and the scanning centre will confirm the next steps with you.
Sources
- Radiopaedia – Hepatic haemangioma
- Primovist patient information leaflet (United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS)
- NHS – Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (MASLD)
- RadiologyInfo.org – MRI of the Body
- 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.