Intestinal MRI

Intestinal MRI is a modern imaging method that allows assessing the condition of the small and large sections of the intestine, as well as adjacent tissues without radiation exposure. Such an examination helps obtain detailed information about the structure of the organs, detect pathological changes, and clarify the diagnosis in complex clinical situations.

At the Oxford Medical Medical Center, MRI examination of the intestine is performed on a modern GE SIGNA Champion scanner. Thanks to the use of artificial intelligence technologies, image clarity is enhanced, which makes diagnostics more accurate and informative.

You can book an intestinal MRI in Kyiv at the Oxford Medical clinic at a convenient time for you by calling the phone number listed on the website or by leaving a request for a callback.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the intestine can be performed in different formats depending on which exact area needs to be examined. This allows for a more accurate assessment of the condition of individual sections of the intestine and the detection of possible changes.

MRI Enterography

MRI enterography — is a specialized method used to assess the small intestine. This section is more difficult to examine by other methods, so such diagnostics provide additional information.

Before the examination, the patient takes a special solution that helps better visualize the intestinal lumen. Thanks to this, it is possible to more accurately assess the condition of the walls, their thickness, and structure.

The examination also makes it possible to assess adjacent tissues and determine the extent of pathological changes. In particular, the method is informative in cases of suspected small intestine cancer, as it helps assess the structure of tissues and the possible spread of the process.

MRI of the Large Intestine

MRI of the large intestine is used to assess the condition of the large bowel and surrounding structures. The examination helps assess the intestinal walls, their thickness, contours, and possible changes.

The method is used to clarify the results of other examinations, in particular if colonoscopy did not provide complete information.

MRI of the Rectum

MRI of the rectum — is a targeted examination that allows a detailed assessment of the final section of the intestine and adjacent tissues.

The method is used to clarify the nature of changes and plan further treatment. If there are appropriate indications, MRI of the perianal area may also be performed, which makes it possible to detect complications, fistulas, or chronic inflammatory processes in this area.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the intestine allows assessing the condition of the intestine, its walls, and adjacent tissues. During the examination, a series of layered images is performed, which makes it possible to see changes not only in the lumen of the intestine, but also beyond it.

Magnetic resonance imaging helps detect:

• inflammatory processes in different sections of the intestine;
• thickening or changes in the structure of the walls;
• narrowing of the lumen;
• neoplasms and their features;
• blood supply disorders;
• lymph node involvement;
• complications of chronic diseases;
• consequences of injuries or surgical interventions;
• intestinal obstruction.

If necessary, an MRI of the intestine with contrast may be performed, which helps more accurately determine the nature of changes, assess their activity, and define their boundaries.

The method is especially valuable in situations when other examination methods, in particular colonoscopy, do not provide a complete picture or require clarification. The examination is also used to monitor the condition over time — to assess the course of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.

Intestinal MRI is a safe examination method, as it does not use ionizing radiation. At the same time, due to the effect of the magnetic field, there are certain limitations that must be taken into account before the examination is performed.

Absolute contraindications include:

• the presence of a pacemaker or an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator;
• cochlear implants;
• metal structures or implants incompatible with MRI;
• foreign metal bodies in the body, especially in the area of vital organs.

Relative limitations include:

• the first trimester of pregnancy;
• severe claustrophobia;
• inability to remain still during the examination;
• a severe general condition of the patient that complicates the procedure.

Contraindications to contrast enhancement are considered separately. MRI of the gastrointestinal tract with intravenous contrast is not performed in cases of pronounced impairment of kidney function, since the contrast agent is eliminated from the body specifically through them. Increased sensitivity to the contrast agent may also be a limitation.

Proper preparation helps obtain clearer and more informative images and increases diagnostic accuracy.

Usually, before the examination, it is recommended to:

• refrain from eating for 4–6 hours before the procedure;
• if the examination is scheduled for the morning — come on an empty stomach;
• the day before, limit foods that cause gas formation (legumes, cabbage, black bread, carbonated drinks);
• not consume carbonated drinks before the examination;
• come in comfortable clothing without metal elements;
• remove all metal objects before the examination.

When MRI enterography is performed, the patient is given a special solution to drink before the examination, which improves visualization of the small intestine.

For MRI of the large intestine or rectum, light bowel preparation may sometimes be needed. Usually, this is a diet the day before and, on the doctor's recommendation, the use of mild cleansing agents. Complete bowel cleansing, as before colonoscopy, is not required in most cases.

If an intestinal MRI with contrast is planned, it is necessary to have a blood test for creatinine before the examination. This is an indicator that allows assessment of kidney function and ensures that the contrast agent will be safely eliminated from the body.

Recommendations may differ depending on the type of examination, so it is important to follow individual instructions before the examination.

Before the examination begins, the patient lies down on the movable table of the tomograph, which smoothly moves inside the machine. During the scan, it is important to remain still, as this affects the clarity of the images.

The examination is carried out step by step: a series of layered images is taken, allowing assessment of the condition of the intestine, its walls, and adjacent tissues. At certain moments, the patient may be asked to briefly hold their breath — this is necessary to obtain clearer images.

If a contrast-enhanced examination is planned, it is carried out in two stages: first, images are taken without contrast, after which a contrast agent is injected intravenously and the scanning is continued. This makes it possible to assess more accurately the nature of the changes, their boundaries, and the activity of the process.

When MRI enterography is performed, before the examination the patient additionally takes a special liquid for better visualization of the small intestine.

The duration of the procedure usually is 20–30 minutes. If contrast is used, the examination may last up to 30–40 minutes.

After the examination is completed, the obtained images are analyzed by a radiologist, who prepares a written report.

The cost of an intestinal MRI depends on the scope of the examination and the need to use a contrast agent. An examination with contrast enhancement is more extensive, as it allows a more detailed assessment of the tissue structure and the nature of changes, so its price may be higher.

The price may also differ depending on the scope of the examination. In some cases, for a more complete assessment of the condition of the organs, it is advisable to expand the diagnostics. In particular, if the symptoms may be related not only to the intestine, but also to such organs as the stomach, the doctor may recommend performing an MRI of the abdominal cavity.

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You can book an intestinal MRI in Kyiv at the private clinic «Oxford Medical» by phone or by ordering a callback.