Abdominal MRI in Midtown Manhattan

The abdominal region refers to the stomach area, which encompasses the digestive tract, as well as the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and reproductive organs. These organs keep your body alive and functioning in your abdomen and pelvis. Complaints in and around the abdominal cavity are not only painful but can also restrict your everyday life and movement.

An MRI scan can clarify whether there are changes in the various anatomical structures in the abdominal cavity. Abdominal MRI in Midtown Manhattan helps healthcare providers diagnose and treat medical conditions related to this region.

What Is an Abdominal MRI?

An abdominal MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to generate detailed images of the soft tissues, bones, structures, and internal organs within your abdomen. It is an effective and pain-free diagnostic procedure that does not use radiation, which adds to its benefits.

MRI of the abdomen allows physicians to examine the abdominal anatomy and evaluate various parts to rule out structural abnormalities. It gives them invaluable insights into what may be going on inside your body and enables them to make a decisive contribution regarding the diagnosis of the diseases, without surgical intervention.

Why Is an Abdominal MRI Performed?

Abdominal MRI scans are needed for several reasons. Your doctor will order an MRI if they suspect something is wrong in your abdominal region but cannot pinpoint the problem through a physical examination.

An MRI of the torso is performed to evaluate:

  • Organs of the chest and abdomen, including the heart, liver, biliary tract, kidneys, spleen, bowels, pancreas, and adrenal glands
  • Pelvic organs, including the bladder, and the reproductive organs, such as the uterus and ovaries in females and prostate in males
  • Benign and malignant tumors
  • Gallstones or kidney stones
  • Abdominal wall hernias, and inguinal hernias
  • Inflammation or malformations of the blood vessels and to monitor blood flow
  • Causes of pain or swelling
  • Lymph nodes

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your mid-section, your doctor may recommend an MRI to take a closer look. An abdominal MRI is the best choice as it provides highly detailed images of your abdomen area, detects the presence and growth of abnormal tissues before they turn dangerous, and ensures timely treatment.

How to Get Ready for Your Abdominal MRI?

  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time to get done with the registration process timely and prepare for the procedure.
  • If you have a fear of enclosed spaces and feel claustrophobic, tell your doctor. They may recommend an anti-anxiety medication or relaxant to help you stay calm and go through the scan easily.
  • If you suffer from back ache or some other medical condition and cannot lie on your back for more than 10 minutes, inform your doctor, and they will make sure you feel comfortable during the test.
  • Leave your jewelry and other valuables at home, as you will be asked to take off everything before the scan.
  • Avoid using deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes, or body lotions when going for your MRI. These items contain metals that might interfere with the magnetic field inside the MRI machine and cause you to have distorted images and wrong results.
  • Some abdomen exams require oral contrast. Please check this with your doctor, as some people can experience adverse effects like nausea, itching, or hives, so it is better to be prepared.
  • You may be asked not to eat or drink several hours before your abdominal MRI. This is because certain MRIs, such as those involving digestive organs, may require an empty stomach. If your doctor wants to scan the biliary and pancreatic ducts to check for gallstones, having an empty stomach helps to produce better images. Follow your doctor’s advice for best results.
  • Tell the radiologist if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or if you have any allergies or medical conditions that require special consideration.

When you are scheduling an appointment, inform your doctor if you have any type of metal implant from previous surgeries, such as:

  • Pacemaker
  • Artificial heart valves
  • Clips, pins, or screws
  • Plates
  • Staples
  • Stents
  • Bone growth stimulator
  • Insulin pump

If you have any of these, your doctor will have to check whether it is possible or safe, to have an MRI scan.

What Are the Risks of Undergoing an MRI?

Because radiation is not used, there is no risk of exposure to ionizing radiation during an MRI exam. MRI is a painless and virtually risk-free procedure, but there may be other risks, depending on your medical condition.

Due to the presence of strong magnets, special precautions are necessary for performing an MRI on patients with certain implanted devices, such as pacemakers or cochlear implants. The technologist will need some information regarding the implanted device to determine if an MRI can be performed.

If you took an anti-anxiety pill before the MRI exam to stay relaxed during the test, you may need someone to drive you home afterwards. Depending on your level of sedation, you may have to stay back until you are back to normal.

You may experience an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used for MRI. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, hives, and shortness of breath. Notify your technologist if you experience any unusual symptoms after the scan or feel unwell.

Discuss any concerns with your doctor before the procedure to get the most accurate diagnostic results.

What Happens During the MRI?

Before undergoing an MRI, you should make an effort to prepare for the test and follow the guidelines and instructions provided by your doctor.

  • You will be asked to remove all your clothing and accessories and change into a loose gown. This includes hairpins, removable dentures, hearing aids, and glasses, as metal objects can interfere with the magnetic field and distort the images.
  • The MRI machine is large and tube-shaped, open from both sides. It creates a strong magnetic field and sends pulses of radio waves from a scanner. You will lie on a table that slides into the machine so that your abdomen is inside the strong magnetic field.
  • The machine makes loud whirring and thumping noises as it takes images. This is normal. You will be provided earplugs to reduce the noise or headphones with music to pass the time.
  • MRI machines are sensitive to movement. The technologist will ask you to stay very still during the scanning process to obtain optimal images. They may also ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds, as the images are captured.
  • A coil might be placed around the part of your body being scanned, in this case, your abdomen. This coil is really a special radio receiver that improves the picture and is usually contained in hard white plastic. If the coil becomes uncomfortable during the scan, inform the technologist.
  • Your technologist may use a contrast agent or a dye to take a better look at your organs and see the blood flow of certain structures more clearly. They will inject the dye in your hand or arm, or start an IV.
  • The technologist will be in another room where the scanner controls are located. However, they will be able to see and hear you all the time during the exam. You will have a call button to let the technologist know if you have any problems at any time during the procedure and want to pause or stop.
  • The MRI of the abdomen will take approximately 60 minutes, but it may take more if your technologist is looking for something in particular and wants additional images.
  • You will not feel any pain or discomfort during the test.

What Happens After the Scan?

Once the scan is complete, you are allowed to get up from the table, change into your clothes, and go home. There are no dietary or physical restrictions unless you have been instructed otherwise by your doctor, considering your condition or specific situation.

If you took anti-anxiety medication, you may be required to rest until the effects of the medication have worn off. Ask a friend or family member to drive you home.

If contrast dye was used for the procedure, you may be monitored for some time for side effects or reactions such as itching, swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing. Drinking plenty of water within the next 24 hours can help eliminate the contrast from your body. If you feel pain or any unusual symptoms following the exam call your doctor.

Results and Interpretations

The images from the scan are examined and interpreted by a radiologist. The report is forwarded to your referring physician, who will review it with you. You can also access the report online or request copies of your images on a CD-ROM.

Getting ready for your abdominal MRI is straightforward if you follow your physician’s instructions. It is the safest and most effective diagnostic tool that enables your physician to closely examine your organs, soft tissues, and virtually all internal body structures and find out the source of your pain and discomfort.

Do you have any questions or concerns about MRI in Midtown Manhattan of the abdomen – Call Manhattan MRI today and request an appointment with our specialist to learn more about MRI scanning and how it works. They will explain how it can help your doctor get the most reliable results and enables them to make the best possible decision for your health and well-being.

(212) 401-0097