Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Abdomen

Abdominal MRI, MRI of the Abdomen

Why It Is Done

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen is done to:

• Find problems or tumors in the abdominal organs and tissues. In some cases MRI can tell if a tumor is noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).
• Check lower abdominal and pelvic organs for tumors, bleeding, or problems present since birth (congenital abnormalities).
• Find a blocked tube or stones in the tube that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder (bile duct).
• Check organs and blood vessels prior to organ transplantation or surgery.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: April 10, 2007
Medical Review:	Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology Kenneth B. Sutherland, CD, BSc, MD, FRCPC - Diagnostic Radiology
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