Abdominal and Pelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (or Abdominal and Pelvic MRI) aims to study all areas of the anatomical region of the abdomen and pelvis. It allows the assessment of the various intra-abdominal and pelvic organs, particularly with regard to focal or diffuse lesions of solid organs, including quantification of metabolic diseases (e.g. fatty liver), anatomical variants and congenital abnormalities, as well as dynamic/functional studies.
What is an Abdominal and Pelvic MRI?
Abdominal and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imaging exam that uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency waves to obtain detailed images of the abdominal and pelvic structures. It allows highly accurate visualisation of organs such as the liver, kidneys, bladder, uterus, ovaries, prostate, intestines and others. It is a key exam in the diagnosis of multiple conditions, especially in situations where other techniques have not been conclusive.
What is the price of an Abdominal and Pelvic MRI?
The price of an abdominal and pelvic MRI is 500€, when performed on a private basis. However, it can also be performed through several agreements, including:
- ADSE: If the abdominal and pelvic MRI is performed under ADSE, the patient only pays a fee of 60€;
- IASFA, ADM GNR, SAD PSP;
- Insurance companies: Médis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vitória, Una Seguros, other insurers.
- Health plans: Medicare, Saúde Prime, Future HealthCare, Continente Wells, ACP, other health plans.
- Protocols: NRD has protocols with several clinics and institutions that allow you to undergo the exam at very competitive prices. For an abdominal and pelvic MRI, the price through protocol is 350€.
The price varies depending on the healthcare system or insurance you wish to use.
Find out more about the price of MRI exams.
How is it performed?
The patient lies on their back, with the abdomen and pelvis positioned in a dedicated coil. Images are acquired in several planes and, depending on the clinical suspicion, intravenous contrast may be administered for better characterisation of masses, inflammation or vascular lesions.
The MRI scanner is open at both ends.
During the exam, it is essential to remain still. Earplugs are provided to reduce the perception of scanner noise. The duration of the exam varies between 30 and 45 minutes.
What does it detect?
Abdominal and pelvic MRI allows the detection of:
- Abdominal and pelvic tumours or cysts (liver, kidneys, bladder, ovaries, uterus, prostate);
- Metastases and adenopathies;
- Inflammatory or infectious lesions (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, pyelonephritis, endometritis);
- Changes in the uterus and ovaries (e.g. fibroids, endometriosis, cysts);
- Prostate pathology;
- Retroperitoneal or pelvic masses;
- Assessment of surgical resections;
- Among others.
In which cases is it indicated?
Abdominal and pelvic MRI is indicated for:
- Study of abdominal or pelvic masses;
- Assessment of primary tumours and oncological staging;
- Investigation of persistent abdominal or pelvic pain;
- Diagnosis and follow-up of inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn’s disease);
- Gynaecological assessment (fibroids, endometriosis, cysts);
- Assessment of the prostate or bladder;
- Among others.
Preparation and guidelines for an Abdominal and Pelvic MRI
Before undergoing an MRI at NRD, please consider the following:
| Topic | Guidance |
| Exam prescription (paper copy) | You must bring the exam prescription in paper form. |
| Fasting | In cases where it is performed with contrast, fasting for about 3 hours is usually necessary (this will be confirmed when the exam is booked). |
| Early arrival | Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time. |
| Medication | You may take essential and unavoidable medication with a minimum amount of water. |
| Metal objects | Remove all metal objects (e.g. earrings, bracelets, necklaces, piercings, hairpins, removable prostheses, etc.). |
| Pregnancy | Inform the NRD healthcare professional if you are pregnant. |
| Exams / Tests / Info | Bring previous imaging exams, relevant clinical information and recent laboratory tests. |
| Glucose monitoring implant | Do not place the implant, as it will have to be removed before the exam. |
| Make-up | Do not wear make-up, as some products may affect the exam. |
| Valve and/or orthopaedic prostheses | If you have valve and/or orthopaedic prostheses, bring proof describing and specifying the material composition. |
| Hearing aids | Inform us if you use a hearing aid, as it must be removed before the exam. |
| Dental prostheses | Inform us if you use a dental prosthesis, as it must be removed before the exam. Also inform us if you have dental implants. |
| Orthodontic appliances | Inform us if you wear orthodontic appliances. A test may be necessary to assess compatibility with MRI. |
| Pacemakers and implantable devices | NRD does not perform MRI exams on people with pacemakers or implantable devices (e.g. cochlear implant), and it is recommended that the exam be carried out in a hospital setting. |
Throughout the MRI exam, you will be continuously monitored by the NRD imaging technologist responsible for your exam. An alert system will also be at your disposal, which you can activate if needed.
You should remain still during the exam to ensure high-quality images.
The entire NRD team will be at your disposal to answer any questions that may arise.
After the exam, you can return to your usual daily activities.
When and how do you receive the results?
You will receive the MRI results within 7 days after the exam, by email or in paper form at the clinic. On the day of the exam, you will take a CD with the images with you.
Where can you have it done?
The MRI can be performed at NRD, at the following address:
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, nº 11-B, r/c, 1070 – 060 Lisbon (near Praça de Espanha)