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MRI scan

MRI Scan – Small Bowel (MR Enterography)

A private small bowel MRI (MR enterography) gives detailed pictures of the small intestine after you drink a special fluid, without X-rays. It is mainly used to diagnose and monitor Crohn’s disease and to investigate unexplained tummy pain, bleeding and other small bowel problems.

From £450 Book a scan
Scan timeAround 30–45 minutes in the scanner, plus about an hour beforehand to drink the fluid
ReportUsually 1–10 working days, depending on the centre
Locations1 across the UK

About a small bowel MRI scan

The small bowel (small intestine) is the long, coiled part of the gut between the stomach and the large bowel, where most food is digested and absorbed. Because it is several metres long and folded, it is hard to see fully with a camera test. A small bowel MRI, also called MR enterography, uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not X-rays, to show the whole length of the small bowel, the bowel wall and the tissues around it.

To get clear pictures, the bowel needs to be filled and gently stretched with fluid. For MR enterography you drink a special fluid, such as a mannitol drink, over about an hour before the scan. A less common method, MR enteroclysis, gives the fluid through a thin tube passed through the nose.

The main use of this scan is for Crohn’s disease, which often affects the end of the small bowel. MRI can show inflamed or thickened bowel, narrowed sections (strictures), abnormal connections between the bowel and other organs (fistulas) and collections of pus (abscesses). Because it does not use radiation, it can be repeated over the years to check how the disease and treatment are going, which is especially helpful for younger people. It is also used to look into unexplained tummy pain, diarrhoea, weight loss, anaemia or bleeding, and for growths of the small bowel. You can read more in our article on MR enterography.

What happens during the scan

You will arrive about an hour early to drink the fluid in stages. You then lie on the scanner bed, on your front or back, with a coil over your tummy, and a small cannula is placed in your arm. During the scan you will usually be given an injection of Buscopan, a muscle relaxant that stops the bowel moving so the pictures are not blurred, and often an injection of contrast dye (gadolinium). You will be asked to hold your breath for short periods. The scanner is loud, so you will wear ear plugs or headphones, and the radiographer can talk to you throughout. Where contrast is needed, it is charged separately.

What the scan can show

A small bowel MRI can help to look at:

  • Crohn’s disease: inflammation, how much bowel is affected and how active it is
  • strictures (narrowing) and blockages
  • fistulas and abscesses
  • response to treatment over time
  • causes of unexplained tummy pain, anaemia or bleeding
  • polyps and tumours of the small bowel

Preparing for your scan

You will usually be asked not to eat for about 4–6 hours before your appointment. You can normally have small amounts of water and take your usual medicines. You will need to arrive about an hour before your scan time to drink the bowel preparation fluid. The scanning centre will give you exact instructions.

The drink often causes diarrhoea afterwards, which can come on quickly, so plan your journey home with this in mind. Buscopan can cause short-lived blurred vision, a dry mouth or a fast heartbeat, so do not drive until these have worn off. Tell us when booking if you have glaucoma, heart problems, myasthenia gravis or problems passing urine, as these can affect whether Buscopan can be used. Very rarely, Buscopan can cause painful red eyes with blurred vision within 24 hours; if this happens, go to A&E straight away.

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

What is the difference between MR enterography and enteroclysis?

Both are MRI scans of the small bowel. In enterography you drink the fluid that fills the bowel; in enteroclysis it is given through a thin tube passed through the nose. Enterography is more common and more comfortable. Your referrer will say which is needed.

Does the scan replace a colonoscopy?

Not always. A colonoscopy looks at the lining of the large bowel and the very end of the small bowel and can take samples. MRI shows the whole small bowel and the tissues outside the bowel wall. Many people with Crohn’s disease have both.

Will I have diarrhoea afterwards?

Often, yes. The fluid passes through the bowel and commonly causes loose stools for a few hours after the scan. It is a good idea to stay near a toilet until this settles.

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

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.

Where you can have this scan

3T MRI Scan - Orpington

From £450

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