Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis
Abdominal and abdominopelvic MRI in Casablanca
Abdominal MRI provides detailed images of the organs in the abdomen using a magnetic field, without X-rays. In a single session, it examines the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and lymph nodes. When it is extended to the lower pelvis, it becomes an abdominopelvic MRI. It is often used to clarify an abnormality seen on ultrasound or on a CT scan. When the question concerns a single organ, a targeted MRI (liver, adrenal glands, bile ducts) may be preferred.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Generally allow 30 to 45 minutes, longer when the pelvis is also examined.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- A lesion found incidentally on another exam, for example in a kidney or in the pancreas.
- A pancreatic cyst to be characterized or monitored.
- Staging or follow-up of a digestive or urinary cancer.
- Search for lymph nodes or an abdominal mass.
- Unexplained abdominal pain despite an ultrasound and a CT scan.
- An alternative to a CT scan, to avoid X-rays or in case of iodine allergy.
How the exam is done
After the safety questionnaire, you remove your metal objects and put on a gown. A catheter is usually placed in the crook of your elbow. You lie on your back with a flexible coil strapped over your abdomen, sometimes with a belt that follows your breathing.
The exam relies on breath-holds: through the microphone, the radiographer asks you to breathe in, breathe out, then hold your breath, usually for 15 to 20 seconds. Following these instructions is important, because breathing moves the organs and blurs the images. The noises are loud, reduced by headphones. You may feel a cold sensation in your arm during the injection.
Preparation
- Practice holding your breath for about twenty seconds after breathing out.
- For an abdominopelvic MRI, a moderately full bladder may be requested, depending on the protocol.
- Leave jewelry and valuables at home.
Fasting
No fasting is needed. Take your usual medication.
Contrast injection
Gadolinium, injected through a vein in the arm, is part of most abdominal protocols. Several series of images then follow its passage through the organs.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker, defibrillator, neurostimulator, cochlear implant: the exam depends on the MRI compatibility of the device.
- Older clip on a brain artery, metallic foreign body in the eye.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after a gadolinium injection.
- Severe kidney failure or dialysis, before any gadolinium injection.
- Difficulty holding your breath, claustrophobia, extensive tattoos: please mention them when you book.
Documents to bring
- Prescription stating the clinical question
- Previous abdominal ultrasounds, CT scans or MRIs, with their reports
- Recent blood test including creatinine
- List of your current medications
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
- Implant card if you have a medical device
Price and insurance coverage
The price of an abdominal MRI varies with the extent of the area examined (abdomen only, or abdomen and pelvis) and the gadolinium injection required by most protocols.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
How is it different from a liver MRI or an MRCP?
Abdominal MRI covers the whole abdomen: liver, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, lymph nodes. A liver MRI focuses the settings and the injection timing on that organ. MRCP mainly shows the ducts that carry bile. Your doctor chooses the exam according to the question to be answered.
What happens if I can't hold my breath?
Tell the radiographer at the start. Shorter sequences, or free-breathing sequences guided by a respiratory belt, can often be used. The images are sometimes slightly less sharp but generally remain interpretable.
Why is it called an abdominopelvic MRI?
It is the same technique extended downward to include the bladder, the reproductive organs, the rectum and the pelvic lymph nodes. This extension is used, for example, to assess certain cancers. It makes the exam slightly longer and may require bladder preparation.
Can I eat normally after the exam?
Yes, as soon as you leave. After gadolinium, drink water over the following hours to help your kidneys eliminate it.
Abdominal and abdominopelvic MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of an abdominal MRI varies with the extent of the area examined (abdomen only, or abdomen and pelvis) and the gadolinium injection required by most protocols. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.