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.
Why Would A Doctor Order An Abdominal and Pelvis MRI?
Abdominal and pelvic MRI utilizes 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 a variety of health concerns1.
Symptoms that may prompt a doctor to recommend an MRI of the abdomen and pelvis include2–5:
- 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)
MRI scans of the abdomen and pelvis often also check for lesions or abnormalities in the tissue surrounding crucial organs6.
An MRI to monitor cancerous growth in the body before it becomes a critical health issue can help guide treatment and follow-up7.
An MRI distinguishes tumors from healthy tissue, helping doctors assess the size, severity, and spread of potential cancers in a patient’s body8.
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 tissue10the adrenal glands, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, ureters, and intestines9. A trained radiologist can detect differences between healthy and unhealthy tissue on an MRI scan. For example, liver scarring can appear as dark areas compared to surrounding tissue, depending on the type of MRI used10.
Given the number of organs and tissues examined in an abdominal and pelvic MRI, radiologists can detect several health conditions. These include2,11:
- 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 visualize and stage cervical, uterine, bladder, rectal, prostate, and testicular cancers, as well as diagnose pelvic abscesses12,13. Other health issues it can catch and track include1:
- 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 imaging14. Furthermore, unlike CT, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, which makes it a safer option, especially for repeated tests15. The choice between MRI or CT depends on the reason for the scan and the suspected underlying health issue. For instance, contrast-enhanced MRI may be preferred to contrast-enhanced CT for diagnosing nodules in a cirrhotic liver16.
MRI vs. Ultrasound
Ultrasound does not use radiation and is more portable than MRI. It may also be more useful in some emergency situations. Ultrasound is used to monitor many conditions or as an initial diagnostic tool. However, MRI remains a preferred option for evaluating and characterizing tumors in the liver and the pancreas14.
Pelvis
MRI vs. CT
The use of MRI or CT depends on the suspected issue and the symptoms presented. MRI is the method of choice for the characterization of pelvic masses, and the fact that it doesn’t use ionizing radiation makes it preferable to CT in some instances14. MRI is also preferred for the characterization of rectal cancer, though CT is preferred for detecting distant metastases14.
MRI vs. Ultrasound
MRI scans are often performed as a follow-up after an abnormality has been detected with ultrasound. This includes evaluating conditions like endometriosis, unexplained infertility, and pelvic pain17.
How Much Does a Whole Abdomen and Pelvis MRI Cost?
The cost of abdominal and pelvic MRIs varies depending on where they are performed18.
- The average cost of an abdominal MRI is about $570 without insurance, but it can range from $351 to $765.
- The average cost of a pelvic MRI is about $900 without insurance, but it can range from $560 to $1,444.
What Are the Risks Involved in Abdomen and Pelvis MRIs?
MRI of the abdomen and pelvis comes with minimal risks and many benefits.
The MRI procedure does not use ionizing radiation, and no side effects have been reported from using magnetic and radio waves19.
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 injection20.
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 harm21,22. Be sure to discuss any concerns you have with your physician and radiologist regarding MRIs and pregnancy.
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. This helps obtain clearer images and allows your radiologist to generate a more accurate diagnosis.
An abdominal and pelvic MRI generally lasts about 30 to 90 minutes. In cases where more images are needed to complete a diagnosis, it may take up to two hours23.
Before the test, make sure your radiologist knows about your medical history. Usually, you will receive a medical questionnaire or form before the scan. You’ll be asked to complete the questionnaire to ensure the MRI procedure is safe for you.
Prior health concerns such as the following may impact whether or not an MRI should be part of your diagnosis process:
- 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, to ensure that clear images of the organs in your stomach area can be produced.
Due to the nature of MRI scans and the powerful magnetic waves, metal objects on your body must be removed. Metal objects to remove include:
- Jewelry, watches, and hearing aids
- Pens, pocket knives, and eyeglasses
- Pins, hairpins, metal zippers, and similar metallic items
- Removable dental work
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. You may be provided with medication that helps you relax while in the MRI machine, or you may be moved to an open MRI procedure, which places less spatial pressure on your body during the scan.
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. To make yourself more comfortable, you can ask for blankets and pillows.
An intercom within the MRI scanner lets you communicate with the radiologist anytime during the treatment. Some scanners also have TV screens and special headphones to help the time pass more quickly. If the machine's humming bothers you, request earplugs to block the noise.
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.
A radiologist will examine your MRI images, and the results may also be sent to your doctor, who will discuss them with you and recommend steps for future treatment if warranted1.
Does Your Whole Body Go Inside the Machine for An Abdomen and Pelvis MRI?
You may not need to have your whole body inside the MRI machine for an abdomen and pelvic scan. Discuss the options with your radiologist before the test begins.
How To Choose an MRI Provider
Choosing the right MRI provider helps ensure accurate results and quality care. Start by talking with your doctor to determine if an MRI is necessary and which type best suits your needs. Your doctor can recommend reputable imaging centers and experienced radiologists.
Ezra partners with top imaging specialists and accredited facilities, providing high-quality scans with expert interpretations. These partnerships ensure access to advanced technology and skilled radiologists for accurate, reliable results.
Summary: Abdomen and Pelvis MRI: What You Need To Know
An abdominal and pelvic MRI is a powerful, non-invasive diagnostic tool that provides detailed images of vital organs and tissues without using harmful radiation. It helps detect various conditions, including cancers, liver disorders, digestive system issues, and reproductive organ abnormalities. Early detection through MRI enables timely and effective treatment decisions, improving patient outcomes. The procedure is generally safe, with minimal risks and clear preparation guidelines. Understanding what to expect during the scan can help you feel more comfortable, confident, and better prepared for your MRI.
If you want to be proactive about your health, why not book an Ezra full-body MRI? Our annual scan catches potential cancer earlier, leveraging AI to make the screening process more efficient and affordable.
