“Magnetic resonance image can be used to examine the structure and function of your body. Magnetic resonance machines are accurate and don’t use radiation. They can be expensive and not everyone is a good candidate for this type of scanning.”

This article will look at what types of symptoms and conditions may need an magnetic resonance image of the liver, what the scans can detect, and what to expect if you have a liver magnetic resonance image scheduled.

An MRI scan is a noninvasive test a doctor can use to examine the structure and function of your internal organs. MRI technology uses a strong magnet to shift protons inside your body. It then uses radio frequencies to turn the energy from these protons into an image.

The protons may be moved faster with the use of contrast dye, which is usually developed with metallic solutions. This process can give your doctor a better picture of the area being examined.

An magnetic resonance image is useful for examining soft tissue in the body. The test can show different types of tissues.

Unlike an X-ray or CT scan, an MRI does not use radiation to produce an image. For this reason, medical professionals often recommend MRI scans when more frequent images are needed.

An MRi of the liver can show the structure of the body. Your doctor can see the blood flow within the liver, which can provide valuable information about diseases that can affect this organ.

A contrast dye is used for a liver magnetic resonance. The contrast dye can produce a brighter, clearer image than a traditional scanning method.

An magnetic resonance image of the body gives experts a high level of accuracy in determining the cause of a disease.

For example, in two separate studies from 2019 and 2018, MRIs allowed medical professionals to accurately diagnose The disease of the liver.s and The cancers of the liver. in more the 75% of the people who had these scans.

An MRi is the most common test for detecting benign and cancer on the liver.

The accuracy of the images from a magnetic resonance image is not dependent on the skill of the technician performing the Scan, and this makes it a better choice than a computed tomographic image. An magnetic resonance image can be used to confirm a diagnosis if a biopsy is needed.

Your doctor might order an exam for your body. They can use this test to monitor how a condition progresses. They can use it to diagnose conditions.

If you have a risk factor — such as genetics, alcohol abuse, or diabetes — for liver-related health disorders and you are experiencing symptoms, your doctor may choose an MRI as a highly accurate and less invasive diagnostic tool.

Symptoms that might signal a liver disorder include:

Before, during, and after an MRI Scan, here is what you can expect.

Before the scan

Before you have an MRI of the liver, your doctor will review your medical history and any allergies you may have —especially to contrast solutions. You may not be a candidate for an MRI if you have implanted devices that could be dislodged or moved by the magnets in the MRI machine.

If you are cleared to go, your doctor will help you schedule a time for the procedure. An magnetic resonance image can be done in a hospital, medical office, or outpatient facility.

In many cases, your doctor will ask you to avoid eating or drinking for 4 hours before your test, although medications with sips of water are usually okay.

When you arrive for the scans, you will be asked to remove your clothing and change into a gown. You should remove jewelry that has metal.

During the scan

When you are ready for your exam, you will be taken to the examination area and asked to lie down on the table. The table is in the machine. Since the machine that performs the scans can be loud, you may be offered headphones and music selections.

You won’t feel anything during your MRI besides the movement in and out of the scanner. Be sure to tell your technician if you become claustrophobic or anxious during the test. It’s important to remain as still as possible during the scan for the best images.

The entire process may take about 1 hour, though your actual time in the scanner will depend on:

  • Your body size and shape.
  • What areas are your doctor interested in examining?
  • Does it matter whether you receive contrast dye?
  • How long do you stay during the scans?

Are MRIs painful?

An MRI shouldn’t cause you any pain. If you are having an MRI scan with contrast dye, you may need to have a peripheral intravenous device (IV) placed to administer the contrast solution. These dyes can make you feel warm and may not be used if you have known kidney concerns.

You may be sore after the scan where the IV was placed, and it’s possible to experience side effects from the contrast dye itself.

After the scan

If you have no other tests or procedures scheduled, you can get dressed and go home when your magnetic resonance image is complete. The IV will be removed if you had contrast dye.

Light bleeding or pain may be experienced at the IV site. If you were scanned with contrast about how much water to drink, you could receive instructions about how to avoid the dye and other side effects.

How long it takes to get results from your scan will depend on why it was being done and who is interpreting the scan.

There are other options besides MRI for diagnosing liver conditions, but an MRI is often the most precise. Other diagnostic options for liver conditions can include other imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans, as well as blood tests or biopsies.

Some of the blood tests that can help diagnose liver function or disease include:

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may order a variety of tests, including ones that are related to your family history.

Can you have an MRI with a hip replacement or implant?

It may be possible to have an MRI after a joint replacement, but only if the hardware used is compatible with an MRI scanner.

If you are unsure about the safety of your implant in an MRI, you should talk to the surgeon who performed your hip or other joint replacement.

Which is better at detecting liver disorders, an MRI or a CT scan?

An MRI can usually show more detail than a CT scan, and it doesn’t use potentially harmful radiation. MRIs are more expensive, though, and people with certain implanted devices may not be able to have an MRI scan safely. Talk with your doctor about the best option for you.

If I’m at risk for liver disorders, should I get routine scans?

“Unless your doctor is monitoring you for a specific health condition, you shouldn’t have a routine scans.”

If you have a family member who has a risk of developing a disease, your doctor will suggest testing to check for the progression of the disease.

An magnetic resonance image is a way to look at aLiver for disease and other structural changes

An MRI that uses contrast dye may require IV access. People with certain types of implanted devices may not be a good candidate for an magnetic resonance image of the liver.

If you have risk factors and health concerns, talk to your doctor about an magnetic resonance image of the liver.