MR Enterography

MR Enterography provides high-resolution images of the small bowel without ionizing radiation, making it ideal for repeated imaging in conditions like Crohn's disease. It is commonly used to diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), small bowel tumors, bleeding sources, or unexplained abdominal pain.

During the test, patients need to drink a special oral contrast agent that distends the small intestine, improving visualization. MRI imaging captures images of bowel wall thickness, motility, and surrounding tissues.

To prepare for MR Enterography, don’t eat or drink anything beginning 6 hours before your scheduled exam. However, you can have a small sip of water with any medications you need to take. When you arrive, the MRI facility staff will give you an oral contrast agent to drink, along with some water. The contrast agent fills your belly and bladder with fluid that helps make the pictures of your small bowel clearer. You may use the restroom before your exam. Also, you will be asked to remove metallic coins, jewelry, metal wrist watches, metallic keys, dentures, or hearing aids, as the MRI uses strong magnetic fields. Tell your radiologist if you have metallic implants like pacemakers, cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, neuro-stimulators, surgical staples/clips, or drug implants. 

Pregnant women should inform their doctor about their pregnancy before going for an MRI. Creatinine blood test reports are required (not older than 15 days). Informed consent is required. One attendant is mandatory for this test, unless advised otherwise by the facility.

Interpretation of test results requires expert advice. Do not self-diagnose and medicate at home. Always consult a doctor to understand your test results correctly. 

Disclaimer: You must visit your nearest Tata 1mg-partnered lab for radiology tests.

How to Prepare for MR Enterography?

• Don’t eat or drink anything beginning 6 hours before your scheduled exam. It is ok to have a small sip of water with any medications you need to take.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies, kidney problems, or any implanted devices that are incompatible with MRI.
• Remove all metal objects and wear MRI-safe clothing.
• Drink the oral contrast as directed before and during the procedure.
• Inform the technician if you are claustrophobic or anxious about confined spaces.

How is MR Enterography Performed?

• You lie on the MRI scanner table, which slides into a tunnel-like machine.
• Oral contrast is ingested to distend the small bowel.
• The scanner takes images over 30-60 minutes while you remain still.
• Breath-holding or shallow breathing may be requested during sequences.
• A radiologist may provide instructions via intercom throughout the exam.

How Does MR Enterography Work?

The MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the intestines and surrounding structures, highlighting inflammation, lesions, or obstruction.

Who Should Avoid or Take Precautions?

• Individuals with pacemakers, cochlear implants, or metal implants are incompatible with MRI.
• Pregnant women, unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Patients with known kidney dysfunction should discuss the risks of gadolinium contrast with their doctors if contrast is used.

What to Expect During the Test?

• The procedure is painless but requires lying still in a noisy, enclosed space.
• Possible mild abdominal fullness from the contrast drink.

What to Expect After the Test?

• Normal activities can be resumed immediately after the exam

Is MR Enterography a Safe Procedure?

MR Enterography is usually safe when standard safety rules are followed. It uses magnetic fields to take pictures without harmful radiation. Most people have minimal risk. However, it may not be suitable for people with certain medical devices, like certain pacemakers, cochlear implants, or clips, because the magnet can affect them. The dye given through a vein is generally safe, but can sometimes cause mild allergic reactions or affect the kidneys, especially in people with kidney problems. Your doctor will check if it is safe for you. Most people experience no serious side effects and can return to normal activities right after the test.

Is It Safe to Have MR Enterography if You Are Pregnant?

MRI exams, including MR Enterography, generally avoid using ionizing radiation, making them safer than CT scans during pregnancy. However, it is typically recommended to avoid MRI in the first trimester unless medically necessary. The use of intravenous contrast agents during pregnancy is approached with caution, as safety data are limited. Your healthcare provider will weigh the benefits and risks before recommending MR Enterography if you are pregnant.

What Are the Risks of MR Enterography?

• MR Enterography is generally a safe imaging procedure, but carries some risks:
• The strong magnetic field can interfere with implanted medical devices such as pacemakers, cochlear implants, and aneurysm clips, potentially causing them to malfunction.
• The intravenous contrast dye (commonly gadolinium-based) used during the exam may rarely cause mild, manageable allergic reactions. Severe reactions are very rare.
• Contrast can also affect kidney function, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney problems, increasing the risk of a rare condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
• Some people may experience mild side effects such as nausea, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, headache, or pain at the injection site.
• There is no radiation exposure in MR enterography, making it safer than some other scans, but patients with certain conditions should discuss risks with their doctor.
• Sedation, if used, has its own risks but is carefully monitored.

Overall, most patients tolerate  MR Enterography well with minimal risk when appropriate safety protocols are followed. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about any implants, allergies, kidney issues, or other medical conditions before the test.

What Are the Limitations of  MR Enterography?

• You need to stay still and hold your breath during the scan. Moving can blur the pictures.
• Some MRI machines may be too small for larger people.
• MR Enterography may miss small changes only on the bowel surface.
• Tight spots in the bowel may not show clearly if the bowel isn’t stretched enough.
• The test requires skilled staff and specialized MRI machines, which may not be available at all hospitals.
• Sometimes stool or movement can cause picture problems, but special imaging helps reduce this.
• The scan takes longer than some other tests, which might be uncomfortable for some people.

How Are the MR Enterography Results Used?

• Guide the medication or surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Assess the effectiveness of treatments.
• Aid in planning interventions for obstructions or tumors.