Clinique Pasteur Tunis
Abdominal and abdominopelvic MRI
Centres/Radiology/MRI/Abdominal MRI

Abdominal and abdominopelvic MRI

Abdominal MRI in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

Abdominal MRI in Tunis: liver, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and adrenal glands; extended to the pelvis (abdominopelvic) or chest as requested.

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What is it?

An abdominal MRI examines the organs of the abdomen: the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and adrenal glands. Depending on the question, it can be extended to the pelvis (abdominopelvic MRI) or the chest (chest-abdomen MRI). It is very useful for characterising a "spot" or nodule found on ultrasound or CT scan (in the liver, pancreas, a kidney or an adrenal gland), for assessing certain liver diseases, or for following a lesion without X-rays. An injection of contrast agent (gadolinium) is common. Several series of images are taken while you hold your breath. Fasting for a few hours is usually requested.

When is it indicated?

Liver nodule or "spot"

It can often tell whether a liver lesion is benign (cyst, haemangioma) or whether it needs monitoring or further investigation.

Cyst or lesion of the pancreas

It examines pancreatic cysts in detail and their connection with the pancreatic ducts, to decide on monitoring or treatment.

Mass in a kidney or adrenal gland

It helps characterise a lesion found by chance on another test.

Chronic liver disease

It monitors the liver in case of cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis, and can assess iron or fat overload.

Staging or follow-up of a cancer

It complements the CT scan to clarify involvement of the abdominal organs.

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
3Fast for about 4 to 6 hours (do not eat; drink only small amounts of water), unless told otherwise
4Tell us if you are pregnant or think you might be
5Let us know if you are afraid of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia): the team will support you and your doctor can prescribe a mild sedative
6If 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
7Bring your referral, previous imaging (MRI, CT scan, ultrasound) and any relevant reports

Procedure

1

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

2

A drip is placed in your arm if an injection is planned

3

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

4

You will be given breathing instructions: many series are taken while you hold your breath for a few seconds

5

A medicine that calms bowel movements may be injected for sharper images

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
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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Radiology centre direct line+216 36 402 036Clinic switchboard+216 36 402 000

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