MRI of the liver, kidneys, bile ducts and other organs in the abdomen
Pain in the stomach or abdomen can have many different causes – from benign cysts and stones to inflammation or tumors. Since the abdominal cavity contains several important organs, MRI of the abdomen is used when there is suspicion of disease in the liver, bile ducts, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, urinary tract or intestine. It is a modern and completely radiation-free method that provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of the internal structures of the abdomen.
The examination is used both for acute symptoms and long-term abdominal problems where other methods such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) have not provided sufficient information. With the help of MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) – a special MRI technique for the bile ducts and pancreas – narrow passages, stones or inflammation in the bile ducts can also be detected without contrast media.
Why is an Abdominal MRI recommended?
An abdominal MRI is used to gently and in detail map diseases that affect any of the internal organs of the abdomen – especially when the patient has abnormal liver tests, recurrent abdominal pain, a suspected tumor or other diffuse symptoms. It is an important part of the investigation for both medical and surgical issues.
- Elevated liver values or other abnormal tests
- Suspected cysts, tumors or metastases?
- Narrowings, stones or inflammation in the bile ducts (via MRCP)
- Swelling, lumps or changes discovered during previous examinations
- Preparation for surgery or follow-up after previous procedures
MR Abdominal/MRCP is often used when suspected of:
- Liver tumor, cysts or fatty liver
- Bile duct narrowings or gallstones
- Tumor or inflammation of the pancreas (e.g. pancreatitis)
- Kidney diseases or complex cysts
- Blood vessel diseases in the abdomen
- Infections, inflammations or abscesses
- Spread of cancer to lymph nodes or other organs
Book an MRI of the abdomen – a safe and accurate examination without radiation
An MRI of the abdomen takes approximately 30–40 minutes and is performed in the supine position. The examination is completely painless and free of X-ray radiation. After ordering, one of our doctors will contact you by phone to ensure that this is the right examination for you. The images are reviewed by a specialist doctor and you will receive a medical opinion within a few days of the examination.
Dialogue with a doctor is always included before an MRI of the abdomen
When purchasing an MRI of the abdomen, a consultation with one of our doctors is always included. The purpose is to ensure a clear and correct questioning, review your medical history and assess your symptoms. We will decide whether an abdominal MRI is the most appropriate examination for you – or whether another examination should be recommended in the first place.
The medical review is an important part of the process and helps to ensure that the examination is as accurate, safe and relevant as possible.
When is an abdominal MRI not suitable?
MRI is not the best method for examining some of the internal organs of the abdomen, especially the gastrointestinal tract. This is due to the way the gastrointestinal tract is designed and that it often contains air, which makes it difficult to assess optimally with MRI.
If you have symptoms that indicate problems in the gastrointestinal tract, such as new or prolonged constipation or diarrhea, bloating or bloody stools, MRI is therefore not recommended in the first place. In these cases, you should instead contact your family doctor for a physical examination and a decision on a more appropriate examination method.
