Magnetic resonance enterography of the small bowel
MR enterography (small bowel MRI) in Casablanca
MR enterography is an MRI dedicated to the small bowel, the long section of the intestine located between the stomach and the colon. Because this organ is folded and often empty, you drink a liquid before the exam that unfolds and fills it. The images then make it possible to study its wall, any inflammation and its complications, without X-rays. It is widely used to monitor Crohn's disease, particularly in young patients.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The time in the MRI machine usually lasts 30 to 40 minutes; you drink the liquid before that.
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?
- Initial assessment or follow-up of Crohn's disease: extent and activity of the inflammation.
- Search for complications: narrowing, fistula or abscess.
- Chronic abdominal pain or persistent diarrhea suggesting small bowel involvement.
- Search for a tumor or polyps of the small bowel.
- Assessment of how well a treatment for intestinal inflammation is working.
How the exam is done
When you arrive, you are given the oral contrast liquid, most often a solution of mannitol or polyethylene glycol, with a neutral or slightly sweet taste. You drink it in small glasses at regular intervals over 45 minutes to 1 hour, while a catheter is placed in your arm.
You then lie on your stomach or on your back, with a coil on your abdomen. You will be asked to hold your breath briefly several times. A bloated stomach, gurgling or an urge to have a bowel movement are common: this is the expected effect of the liquid. Gadolinium is injected toward the end, and restrooms are available as you leave the exam room.
Preparation
- Plan to drink about 1 to 1.5 liters of liquid on site during the hour before the images are taken.
- Keep some free time after the exam, to give your bowels time to settle.
Fasting
No fasting is needed.
Contrast injection
Gadolinium is almost always injected into a vein in the arm, because it helps assess inflammation of the bowel wall.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker, defibrillator, neurostimulator, cochlear implant: the exam depends on the MRI compatibility of the device.
- Metal fragment in the eye, old brain aneurysm clip, implanted pump.
- 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.
- Suspected bowel obstruction (no passing of gas or stool, vomiting): tell the doctor before drinking the liquid.
- Severe kidney failure.
- Claustrophobia, especially as the exam is sometimes done lying on your stomach.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from the gastroenterologist or your regular doctor
- Reports of endoscopies (colonoscopy, upper endoscopy) and of any biopsies
- Previous MR enterography or CT enterography, for comparison
- Recent blood test including creatinine
- List of your treatments, particularly those for Crohn's disease
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of MR enterography takes into account the extent of the area examined, meaning the length of bowel to be studied, and the gadolinium injection, which is almost always given.
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
Is the liquid unpleasant to drink?
It is generally well tolerated; the main difficulty is the quantity. Because the bowel absorbs very little of it, it often causes temporary diarrhea in the hours that follow. Plan to stay near a restroom after the exam.
Why MR enterography rather than CT enterography?
MRI does not use X-rays, an advantage for a chronic disease such as Crohn's disease, which requires repeated checkups, especially in young adults. CT still has its place in other situations, for example in emergencies. The choice is made by the doctor and the radiologist.
Does MR enterography replace colonoscopy?
No, the two complement each other. Colonoscopy mainly examines the colon and the very end of the small bowel, and allows samples to be taken. MR enterography shows the whole small bowel and what surrounds it, such as a fistula or an abscess, but no biopsy is possible.
How much time should I allow?
Allow about an hour on site to drink the liquid, then usually 30 to 40 minutes in the machine. Then keep some free time, to give your bowels time to settle.
MR enterography (small bowel MRI) in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of MR enterography takes into account the extent of the area examined, meaning the length of bowel to be studied, and the gadolinium injection, which is almost always given. 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.