MRI Enterography

If you have been scheduled for MRI enterography, it means your doctor would like to have a closer look at your small intestine. You will be given both oral and intravenous contrast to help highlight the small intestine. You may also be given an injection of another drug to decrease the movement of your bowel.

MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of the body. An MRI system includes a scanner shaped like a donut and a motorized table that slides in and out of the opening. MRI does not use radiation.

How MRI enterography is used

Healthcare providers use MRI enterography to look at your small intestine and find problems such as irritation, swelling, internal bleeding, blockages, or tears. MRI enterography is also used to monitor response to some treatments.

Is it safe for me to get an MRI?

MRI is safe for most people. You will be asked detailed questions about any devices, implants, or other metal objects you may have in or on your body. If there is not enough information or your device is determined to be unsafe, your doctor will schedule a different type of imaging exam.

How do I prepare for the test?

• Do not eat or drink for four hours before your appointment.
• Continue to take your medications unless you are instructed not to.
• Let your doctor know about any allergies or other health conditions, such as diabetes.
• Talk to your doctor if you need medication for anxiety or to help you relax.
• Wear comfortable clothes to your appointment. Avoid athletic clothing that weaves metal into the fabric.
• Do not wear jewelry or makeup.

On the day of the test

• Check in for your appointment on the Connect patient portal. You may also check in when you arrive at the imaging center.
• Remove all metal objects, including jewelry, hair accessories, phones, wallets, and keys. We will give you a locker to secure them and a room to change into a gown, if needed.
• We will review your medical history and an MRI Safety Checklist with you.
• You will be asked to drink one bottle of oral contrast every 15 minutes for 45 minutes before your exam. Do not drink the last one-third of the third bottle until you are called into the exam room.
• While you are drinking the contrast, a nurse or technologist will insert an IV, usually in your arm. The IV contrast (gadolinium) will be administered during the exam.
• Once you have been called into the exam room, you will be instructed to drink the last of the contrast and use the bathroom
•  A technologist will ask you to lie on the MRI table with your head on a pillow.
• You will be offered a blanket, headphones, and earplugs. You will also be given an emergency call button in case you need to urgently contact the technologist.
• A lightweight camera that resembles a blanket will be placed on your torso.
• The table will slide into the scanner, and a red light may shine on your body momentarily to position the area of interest in the center of the scanner.
• The technologist will leave the room but will be able to see, hear, and speak with you at all times.
• During the scan, it is important to lie still and relax so that we can record clear images. The technologist will ask you to hold your breath for short periods of time. The MRI scanner will make loud clicking, buzzing, banging sounds, and you may feel vibrations. This is normal and you should remain relaxed and still.
• After a first set of images, a nurse will give you one more injection (glucagon), which will slow down the movement in your bowels so that we can get clear images.
• MRI enterography takes about 45 minutes. 

Are there any risks?

MRI does not use ionizing radiation, the type of radiation used in X-rays and CT scans. There are no known harmful side effects associated with temporary exposure to the magnetic field used by MRI scanners. Unknown implants and those that are MRI unsafe pose a risk of injury and device malfunction. There is a slight risk that you will develop an allergic reaction to the contrast (gadolinium). If you have had a reaction in the past, please speak with the doctor who ordered the exam.

After the test

After the exam, you can immediately resume your normal activities. You may feel full, slightly nauseous, or a need to empty your bowels. Drink six to eight eight-ounce glasses of water in the 24 hours after the MRI to help remove the gadolinium dye from your body.A radiologist will analyze the MRI images and will share the results with the doctor who requested the exam. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you.