Magnetic Resonance Enterography is a kind of MRI scan which involves imaging the intestines (mostly the small intestine) in great detail. Magnetic waves and radio waves together are targeted towards the intestines to create a picture which can be seen on the computer.
The intestines (or bowels) are flexible organs surrounded by a layer of muscles which cause them to contract and relax during digestion. Because it is essential for body parts to be at rest during an MRI, special care is taken to relax the bowel using certain medicines and fluid which distend it and make it look brighter on the computer screen. This makes it easier for the radiologist to study the pictures.
Why is MR Enterography Needed?
Like any other part of the body, the intestines are prone to different types of injuries, pathologies, cancers, etc. If your physician wants to rule out certain suspicions, he/she may suggest an MR enterography. Thus, with this test, it will be easier to diagnose:
- Abscess or pus formation in the intestines due to infection.
- Obstructions or blockages in the digestive tract, making it difficult to consume food.
- Chronic or long standing irritation in the bowel.
- Tears in the intestines because of trauma or diseases like diverticulitis.
- Hemorrhage or internal bleeding in the bowels, which can result in serious complications like severe pain, low blood pressure and shock.
- Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition in which the small intestine is inflamed, but any area in the GI tract can be involved just as well. It is a problem which is result of several causes, including genetics, age and autoimmunity.
How Should I Prepare for an MR Enterography?
- First things first, you need to have a thorough discussion with your doctor regarding your medical history. This includes details of present medications and diseases that have troubled you, like cardiac problems, breathing issues, kidney disorders, liver disease, diabetes, etc.
- If you have claustrophobia, tell your doctor at the earliest. Most MRI procedures are done in the conventional tunnel like setup and your fear of closed spaces may make you slightly uneasy in there.
- Let your allergic history be known as well. Though not that common, people may be sensitive to contrast agents which are used in many imaging procedures.
- Any metal inside the body can become an interference during the imaging procedure. Aneurysm clips, cardiac pacemakers, hearing implants, replaced joints and dental implants are metallic in nature. Interaction with strong magnetic waves can alter the way these metallic components work. Only on the approval of your radiologist, you can go ahead.
- Some people may feel a bit too anxious during the imaging procedure. If this is the case with you, feel free to share with your doctor. Sedation is a safe option before the MRI starts.
- Pregnancy is a delicate time when special care needs to be taken during any procedure. Tell your doctor if you are an expecting mom.
- Because a contrast agent is necessary in this procedure, you will need to fast the night before the imaging day.
- Ask someone you trust to be with you on the next day.
How is an MR Enterography done?
- Once you are given the go-ahead, you will be taken to the imaging center and asked to wear a comfortable gown. Be sure to keep all metallic components like your watch, earrings and hair pins away.
- If you need a sedative, you will be given one via injection. Along with this, a contrast medium and spasmolytic (medicines which reduce the movement of bowels and help in clearer imaging. Solutions are given to drink which help in water retention in the gut) will be given to you. These should be taken at 45 minutes to 2 hours before the imaging begins. Contrast agents have special structural properties because of which they can help the magnetic waves pick up better signals from the body, hence creating better resolution of the resulting pictures.
- After sometime, you will be taken inside the MRI room and made to lie down on a movable table. Your head is stabilized using a special frame which is available over there. A pair of noise-canceling headphones are attached on your ears to prevent the loud noise created inside an MRI from bothering you. The imaging takes about 30 minutes to an hour at the most. During this time, different pictures of your intestines are taken by the machine. You will be asked to hold your breaths for sometime in-between the procedure.
- If at any time, you feel uncomfortable, you can press the small signaling device which is provided to you. The procedure will be stopped immediately and you can relax for sometime.
- On completion of procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be relieved of your sedative medications.
- The contrast medication can be safely passed out via urination.
A completely non-invasive and safe procedure, an MRI Enterography is among the best methods of imaging and diagnosing debilitating conditions. If you have any condition which may hinder the imaging procedure, a discussion with your doctor will help you in choosing the best imaging method for you.