Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdominal cavity with contrast – Lublin

Why is it worth doing with us?

Description of an abdominal MRI with contrast

Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging with contrast is a modern imaging technique that allows for a detailed assessment of internal organs such as the liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, and bile ducts. The administration of a contrast agent allows for improved visualization of tissues and blood vessels, as well as the assessment of the nature of pathological changes, such as tumors, cysts, metastases, or inflammatory processes.

The examination at Luxmed Lublin Medical Center is performed on a GE MR 1.5T 450W GEM system with 32 channels, which provides very high image quality, shorter diagnostic times, and the ability to provide 3D imaging. This makes the abdominal MRI with contrast an extremely precise diagnostic tool that supports physicians in making a diagnosis.

When is it worth performing an abdominal magnetic resonance imaging?

Your doctor may order an abdominal MRI with contrast if:

• suspected tumors of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen,
• detection of cancer metastases,
• diagnosis of cysts and inflammatory changes,
• monitoring the effectiveness of cancer treatment,
• assessment of the abdominal vessels and biliary system,
• post-operative check-ups.

This is one of the most accurate imaging tests, allowing us to see elements of the abdominal cavity that are not accessible with ultrasound or X-ray.

What does an abdominal MRI examination in Lublin look like?

The examination lasts on average 30-40 minutes, and with preparation the entire stay in the laboratory is approximately 50-60 minutes.

technology Acoustic Reduction reduces the noise level of the MRI, and the wide opening (70 cm) reduces the feeling of claustrophobia. The examination is painless and safe.

Preparation for abdominal MRI with contrast

Abdominal MRI with contrast requires several preparation steps to be safe and precise:

✓ Perform a blood creatinine test, no older than 7 days before the test.

✓ Fast for 5 hours before the test – you can drink still water.

✓ 15-30 minutes before the examination, take 1-2 No-spa tablets with still water.

General tips:

✓ Bring previous test results (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI) regarding the organ being examined.

✓ Wear clothes without metal elements (e.g. no buttons, belt).

✓ Please report to the facility 30 minutes before your test with your ID.

Contraindications to abdominal MRI with contrast

contraindications Absolute to performing the test:

• weight over 226 kg,
• pacemaker/pacemaker,
• neurostimulators,
• pregnancy (inform the laboratory staff) – examination without contrast is possible only after assessing the diagnostic risks and benefits after the first trimester.
• invasive surgical, aesthetic or diagnostic procedures within the last 6 weeks (you must wait at least 6 weeks after the procedure, regardless of the body part being examined).
• metal foreign bodies in the eyeball (if in doubt, an X-ray of the eye sockets is performed).
• insulin pump or other drug delivery device, neurostimulator or other biostimulants,
• hearing implant, internal hearing aid or ossicular plastic surgery cochlear implant (if it contains ferromagnetic metals).

Relative contraindications:

• claustrophobia (fear of small, tight spaces),
• the presence of ferromagnetic metals in the body,
• Orthodontic appliances and other metallic foreign bodies in the body – the possibility of performing the examination should be discussed with the laboratory! In most cases, they are not a contraindication to the examination. Metallic foreign bodies may cause local artifacts, partially hindering the assessment of adjacent structures, or (rarely) cause heating of adjacent tissues – the examination may then be interrupted. In such cases, there is no threat to the patient's life or health.
• in the case of vascular clips, an MRI examination can be performed 6 weeks after clip implantation,
• In the case of a tattoo or permanent makeup, you must wait 6 weeks after it has been done.

Contraindications to the administration of a paramagnetic contrast agent:

• severe renal failure (if eGFR < 30 – examination possible for life-saving indications),
• pregnancy (the risks and possible diagnostic benefits should be considered),
• allergy (extremely rare cases).

Attention:

• dialysis patients – there is no need to postpone the dialysis date,
• breastfeeding period – a break in breastfeeding is not necessary in the case of tests without contrast.

Contraindications to performing the test

In the MRI lab, patient safety is a priority, so before you book your appointment, check if you have any contraindications, which are divided into absolute and relative.

Absolute contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging of the head:

• patient weight exceeding 226 kg,
• pacemaker, pacemakers or neurostimulators,
• pregnancy (inform the laboratory staff) – examination without contrast is possible only after assessing the diagnostic risks and benefits after the first trimester,
• invasive surgical, aesthetic or diagnostic procedures within the last 6 weeks (you must wait at least 6 weeks after the procedure, regardless of the body part being examined),
• metal foreign bodies in the eyeball (if in doubt, an X-ray of the eye sockets is performed),
• insulin pump, hearing implant, internal hearing aid, ossicular plastic surgery or cochlear implant containing ferromagnetic metals.

Relative contraindications to MRI of the head:

• the presence of ferromagnetic metals, orthodontic appliances or other metal elements in the body – examination is often possible, but may cause artifacts or local heating of tissues,
• vascular clips – MRI can be performed 6 weeks after the procedure,
• tattoos or permanent makeup – waiting 6 weeks after the procedure.

Contraindications to contrast agent administration:

• severe renal failure (eGFR < 30) – testing possible only in life situations,
• pregnancy – necessary assessment of diagnostic risks and benefits,
• allergy to contrast agent – ​​very rare cases.

Additional notes:

• dialysis patients do not have to change the date of dialysis,
• Breastfeeding: for non-contrast examinations, it is not necessary to interrupt breastfeeding.

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