MRI Scan Guide
Overview
An abdominal MRI produces detailed images of the organs in the abdomen and pelvis, including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands, and pelvic organs. It is used to evaluate unexplained pain, abnormal lab results, and suspected masses.
Unlike CT, abdominal MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it a preferred option for patients who need repeated imaging or who want to avoid radiation exposure. It provides excellent soft tissue contrast, which is particularly useful for liver and pelvic imaging.
Abdominal MRI does require some preparation, including fasting for 4 to 6 hours before the scan to reduce bowel motion artifacts.
The procedure
You lie on your back on the scanner table with a body coil placed over your abdomen. The table slides into the scanner, and images are acquired over approximately 45 to 60 minutes. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly during certain sequences to reduce motion blur. Multiple sequences are acquired to evaluate different organs and tissue types.
Diagnostic value
Preparation
Fast for 4 to 6 hours before your appointment. Clear water is usually allowed.
Wear comfortable clothing without metal fastenings around the waist.
Remove belts, buckles, piercings, and metal objects.
You may be asked to drink a contrast agent before the scan to improve bowel visualization.
Inform the radiographer about any implants or metal in your body.
Both MRI and CT can evaluate abdominal organs. CT is faster and widely available, but uses radiation. MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast and is preferred for liver lesion characterization, pelvic imaging, and patients who need to avoid radiation. Your clinician will recommend the appropriate modality based on the clinical question.
MRI is the gold standard for characterizing liver lesions. It can distinguish between benign cysts, hemangiomas, and malignant tumours with high accuracy. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a specialized MRI technique that visualizes the bile ducts and pancreatic duct without contrast, and is used to evaluate gallstones, strictures, and other biliary conditions.
Understanding your results
Every Mira scan comes with two reports. A medical report from a radiologist for your doctor, and a miraclarity report for you. The miraclarity report explains your pelvis / abdomen MRI findings in straightforward language with visual guides, severity indicators, and recommended next steps.
No jargon. No waiting for another appointment just to understand what your scan found. miraclarity is included free with every scan.
Book your scan
Yes. You should fast for 4 to 6 hours before the scan. This reduces bowel motion and improves image quality.
An abdominal MRI typically takes 45 to 60 minutes.
Yes. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods (10 to 20 seconds) during certain sequences. The radiographer will guide you through each breath hold.
Yes. MRI can detect and characterize masses in abdominal and pelvic organs. It is particularly accurate for liver and pelvic tumour assessment.
A knee MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the knee joint. Unlike X-rays, which show only bones, MRI reveals soft tissues including ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and the meniscus. This makes it the primary diagnostic tool for knee injuries and conditions.
A brain MRI produces highly detailed images of the brain, brainstem, and surrounding structures. It is the preferred imaging method for evaluating neurological symptoms because it provides superior soft tissue contrast compared to CT and does not use ionizing radiation.
A lumbar spine MRI produces detailed images of the lower back, including the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding soft tissues. It is the most accurate non-invasive method for diagnosing causes of lower back pain.
A shoulder MRI provides highly detailed images of the rotator cuff, labrum, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones of the shoulder joint. It is the most reliable non-invasive method for diagnosing shoulder injuries.
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