Abdominal and Pelvic MRI: What You Need to Know

Many of the organs that keep your body alive and functioning reside in your abdomen and pelvis. The liver, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive organs, just to name a few, are all located in or around the stomach area.

It’s crucial that all abdominal and pelvic organs and soft tissue areas are healthy. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the abdomen and pelvis screens for potential abnormalities, enabling patients to make effective and timely treatment decisions if any are found.

Learn More
An MRI of the Abdomen and Pelvis is performed to help evaluate possible cancers involving the:

  • Liver
  • Kidneys
  • Spleen
  • Bowel
  • Pancreas
  • Adrenal glands

Why Would A Doctor Order An Abdominal and Pelvis MRI?

Abdominal and pelvic MRI utilises powerful magnets and radio waves to produce images of the area in the lower half of the torso.

The pelvic area refers to the part of the body between the hip bones, including organs such as the bladder, male and female reproductive organs, and the lower parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

The abdominal region refers to the stomach area, encompassing the diaphragm and the digestive tract, as well as the gallbladder, liver, kidneys, and pancreas.

The abdominal and pelvic imaging scan can test patients for symptoms that may prompt a doctor to recommend an MRI of the abdomen and pelvis, including:

  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • Abnormal blood test results, such as those indicating liver or kidney problems
  • Lymph nodes in the abdomen
  • Masses in the liver, kidneys, adrenals, pancreas, or spleen
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding (for female patients)
  • Fibroids
  • A pelvic mass that occurs during pregnancy (for female patients)
  • Pain in the lower belly
  • Injury or trauma to the hip area
  • Unexplained hip pain
  • Lumps or swelling in the testicles or scrotum (for male patients)
  • Undescended testicle (for male patients and only when unable to be seen using ultrasound)

An MRI distinguishes tumours from healthy tissue, helping doctors assess the size, severity, and spread of potential cancers in a patient’s body.

What Will an MRI of the Abdomen and Pelvis Show?

What Organs Does an Abdominal MRI Show and What Conditions Can It Detect?

An abdominal MRI can detect and monitor cancers in abdominal organs, including the adrenal glands, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, ureters, and intestines. A trained radiologist can detect differences between healthy and unhealthy tissue on an MRI scan.

Given the number of organs and tissues examined in an abdominal and pelvic MRI, radiologists can detect several health conditions. These include:

  • Cancer of different organs
  • Liver disorders such as cirrhosis and fatty liver disease
  • Gallbladder issues like gallstones
  • Pancreatic cysts and pancreatitis
  • Spleen abnormalities
  • Kidney and adrenal gland issues
  • Blood vessel issues like blood clots and aneurysms

What Organs Does a Pelvic MRI Show and What Conditions Can It Detect?

A pelvic MRI can be used to help visualise and stage cervical, uterine, bladder, rectal, prostate, and testicular cancers. Other health issues it can catch and track include:

  • Bladder inflammation and cancer
  • Bowel and digestive disorders, like colon cancer and inflammatory disorders
  • Prostate and testicular disorders
  • Uterine and ovarian problems

MRI of the Abdomen and Pelvis Compared to Other Imaging Modalities

MRIs have benefits and drawbacks compared to other types of imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound. Below are some key differences.

Abdomen

MRI vs. CT
In general, MRI offers greater resolution between different tissues than CT and is particularly good for soft tissue contrast imaging. Furthermore, unlike CT, MRI does not use ionising radiation, which makes it a safer option, especially for repeated tests.

MRI vs. Ultrasound
Ultrasound does not use radiation and is more portable than MRI. However, MRI remains a preferred option for evaluating and characterising tumours in the liver and the pancreas.

Pelvis

MRI vs. CT
MRI is the method of choice for the characterisation of pelvic masses, and the fact that it doesn’t use ionising radiation makes it preferable to CT in some instances.

MRI vs. Ultrasound
MRI scans are often performed as a follow-up after an abnormality has been detected with an ultrasound.

How Much Does a Whole Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Cost?

The cost of abdominal and pelvic MRIs varies depending on where they are performed.

  • The average cost of an abdominal MRI ranges from £249 - £380.
  • The average cost of a pelvic MRI ranges from £249-£380.

What Are the Risks Involved in Abdomen and Pelvis MRIs?

The MRI procedure does not use ionising radiation, and no side effects have been reported from using magnetic and radio waves.

Allergic reactions to the contrast agent, sometimes used to enhance MRI images, are rare. Be sure to inform your radiologist of any allergies or kidney issues before receiving the contrast dye injection.

Pelvic MRIs are generally considered safe for pregnant women. However, the risks associated with gadolinium-based contrast agents are not fully understood. Recent concerns have emerged regarding gadolinium retention in the body, but there is currently no conclusive evidence of harm.

How To Prepare and What To Expect From an Abdomen and MRI Procedure?

An MRI scan is fairly straightforward. Each step of the procedure will be explained, and you won’t be asked to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.

When you arrive for your MRI appointment, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown or other comfortable clothing and remove all metal items from your clothing and body. Then, you’ll lie on a narrow table that slides into a tubelike MRI scanner.

Depending on the area(s) being scanned, a contrast dye such as gadolinium may be administered to your body through an IV line into your hand or forearm.

An abdominal and pelvic MRI generally lasts about 15 to 90 minutes. In cases where more images are needed to complete a diagnosis, it may take up to two hours.

Prior health concerns, such as:

  • Artificial heart valves
  • Heart defibrillator or pacemaker
  • Inner ear (cochlear) implants
  • Brain aneurysm clips
  • Recently placed metal artificial joints

You may also be asked not to drink or eat anything for 4 to 6 hours before the scan.

Due to the nature of MRI scans and the powerful magnetic waves, metal objects on your body must be removed including:

  • Jewellery, watches, and hearing aids
  • Pens, pocket knives, and glasses
  • Pins, hairpins, metal zips, and similar metallic items

Because many MRI procedures require you to be in tight spaces for a period of time, let your radiologist know if you suffer from any level of claustrophobia.

People typically do not experience any pain during an MRI scan of the abdomen and pelvis. However, the table you lie on may feel hard and cold.

An intercom within the MRI scanner lets you communicate with the radiologist anytime during the treatment.

Movement can blur MRI images and cause errors during the scan. If you find it difficult to lie still for an extended period of time, you may request medication to help you relax and reduce movement.

No recovery time is typically needed after an MRI unless you’ve taken a sedative, which may take a few hours to wear off. You can return to your daily activities right after the scan.