Pelvis MRI scan

You may be asked to wear a hospital gown or clothing without metal fasteners. Certain types of metal can cause inaccurate images. You will lie on your back on a narrow table. The table slides into the middle of the MRI machine. Small devices, called coils, may be placed around your hip area. These devices help send…

You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 to 6 hours before the scan. Tell your health care provider if you are afraid of close spaces (have claustrophobia). You may be given a medicine to help you relax and be less anxious. Or, your provider may suggest an open MRI, in which the machine is not as close to…

An MRI exam causes no pain. If you have difficulty lying still or are very nervous, you may be given a medicine to relax you. Too much movement can blur MRI images and cause errors. The table may be hard or cold, but you can request a blanket or pillow. The machine produces loud thumping and humming noises when turned…

This test may be done if a female has any of the following signs or symptoms: Abnormal vaginal bleeding A mass in the pelvis (felt during a pelvic exam or seen on another imaging test) Fibroids A pelvic mass that occurs during pregnancy Endometriosis (usually only done after ultrasound) Pain in the lower belly…

A normal result means your pelvic area appears normal.

Abnormal results in a woman may be due to: Adenomyosis of the uterus Bladder cancer Cervical cancer Colorectal cancer Congenital defect of the reproductive organs Endometrial cancer Endometriosis Ovarian cancer Ovarian growths Problem with the structure of the reproductive organs, such as the fallopian tubes Uterine…

MRI does not use radiation to create images. To date, no side effects from the magnetic fields and radio waves have been reported. The most common type of contrast (dye) used is gadolinium. It is very safe. Allergic reactions to the substance rarely occur. But gadolinium can be harmful to people with kidney problems…

Tests that may be done instead of a pelvic MRI include: CT scan of the pelvic area Vaginal ultrasound (in women) X-ray of the pelvic area A CT scan may be done in emergency cases, since it is faster and most often available in the emergency room.

Kwak ES, Laifer-Narin SL, Hecht EM. Imaging of the female pelvis. In: Torigian DA, Ramchandani P, eds. Radiology Secrets Plus. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 38. Major NM, Anderson MW, Helms CA, Kaplan PA, Dussault R. Hips and pelvis. In: Major NM, Anderson MW, Helms CA, Kaplan PA, Dussault R, eds.…