Clinique Pasteur Tunis
MR colonography (MRI of the colon)
Centres/Radiology/MRI/MR colonography

MR colonography (MRI of the colon)

MR colonography in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

MR colonography in Tunis: MRI of the large bowel after preparation, for specific needs such as endometriosis assessment or when colonoscopy is difficult.

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What is it?

MR colonography is an MRI of the large bowel (colon and rectum). It is performed after bowel preparation and often after gently filling the rectum with water or a gel, so that the bowel wall is clearly visible. It is not a routine screening test: colonoscopy remains the standard test for seeing inside the colon and removing polyps. MR colonography is requested in particular situations, for example to assess endometriosis affecting the bowel, to study inflammatory bowel disease, or when colonoscopy could not be completed. The preparation (diet, laxative) and whether a gadolinium injection is used depend on the reason for the test: they are explained to you in detail when you book your appointment.

When is it indicated?

Endometriosis assessment

It looks for endometriosis lesions on the wall of the rectum or colon, and helps prepare for possible surgery.

Inflammatory bowel disease

It assesses the extent of inflammation and its complications, without X-rays.

Incomplete colonoscopy

When colonoscopy could not examine the whole colon, it can complete the assessment on the doctor's advice.

Preparation

1Remove jewellery, watch, piercings, hair clips, bank cards and any metal object before entering the scanner room
2Tell us in advance about any pacemaker or defibrillator, implant (cochlear implant, neurostimulator, pump), surgical clip, heart valve, prosthesis or metal fragment: some are MRI-compatible, others are not
3Follow exactly the bowel preparation given when booking (low-fibre diet and/or laxative depending on the case)
4Fast on the day of the examination, unless told otherwise
5Tell us if you are pregnant or think you might be
6Let us know if you are afraid of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia): the team will support you and your doctor can prescribe a mild sedative
7If an injection is planned, tell us about any kidney disease, allergy or past reaction to a contrast agent; a recent blood test (creatinine) may be requested
8Bring the reports of any colonoscopy or ultrasound already performed

Procedure

1

You change in a cubicle and put your metal objects in a locker

2

A small soft tube may be placed at the entrance of the anus to gently fill the rectum or colon (water or gel): this is uncomfortable but usually not very painful

3

A medicine that calms bowel movements may be injected

4

You lie on your back or your front, with a coil placed on your abdomen

5

If an injection is needed, the contrast agent (gadolinium) is given through a small drip in your arm during the examination

6

The scanner makes loud, repetitive noises while the images are being taken: headphones or earplugs are provided

7

You stay in contact with the team through a microphone and a call bell that you hold in your hand

Duration

About 30 to 45 minutes

Results

The images are analysed by a radiologist, who writes a report. The report is given to you with the images and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told when to expect it on the day of the examination.

Precautions and contraindications

No X-rays: MRI does not use ionising radiation
Not possible with a pacemaker, defibrillator or implant that is not MRI-compatible, or with a metal foreign body in the eye
Temporary abdominal discomfort (bloating) due to the filling; need to go to the toilet after the examination
Allergic reaction to gadolinium: rare, and usually mild (redness, itching)
In case of severe kidney failure, the gadolinium injection is avoided or adjusted by the doctor
During pregnancy, MRI is only performed if it is really useful, and usually without an injection
You may feel enclosed inside the tunnel; the examination can be stopped at any time

Your doctor and the radiology team will inform you in detail before the examination. Feel free to ask them your questions.

This information is general and does not replace the advice of your doctor, who chooses the examination suited to your situation.

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