Can MRI Scan For The Abdomen Detect Digestion Issues?

Posted on Mon, 30 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 30 May 2016 Answered on

Fri, 1 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Have irritable bowel type symptoms. Specialist thinks it's just gastric type symptoms. Mentioned that could have CT scan of adomen and bowel. Did not want this as many years ago had hogkins lymphoea. Meant had lots of CT scans. Has agreed can have MRI scan, but am told that CT will show more by radiologists atvthe hospital doing this scan. Will MRI of the adomen and small bowel show anything or is it a complete waste of time. Cannot help having fear of CT scan

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MRI scan is more preferable

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.

I can certainly understand your concern.

In case of any suspicion for abdominal pathology, it's always preferable to go with MRI scan.

MRI scan is more safe and radiation free.

MRI is also more informative.

It can well rule out all major organic abdominal pathologies before coming to reasonable conclusion of Irritable bowel.

Post your further queries if any.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar