Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Abdomen

Abdominal MRI, MRI of the Abdomen

Why It Is Done

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen is done to:

  • Find problems or tumors in the abdominal organs Click here to see an illustration. and tissues. In some cases MRI can tell if a tumor is noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).
  • Check lower abdominal and pelvic organs for tumors, bleeding, or problems present since birth (congenital abnormalities).
  • Find a blocked tube or stones in the tube that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder (bile duct).
  • Check organs and blood vessels prior to organ transplantation or surgery.

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Author: Maria G. Essig, MS, ELSLast Updated April 10, 2007
Medical Review: Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology
Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology

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Topic Contents
 Test Overview
Arrow PointerWhy It Is Done
 How To Prepare
 How It Is Done
 How It Feels
 Risks
 Results
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 References
 Credits