Abdominal Imaging (Abdominal MRI, Pancreas-Focused)

Procedure Overview

Abdominal Imaging (Abdominal MRI, Pancreas-Focused) at Gangnam Heartscan Healthcare Center is a radiation-free 1.5T Magnetic Resonance Imaging examination targeting the five essential upper abdominal organs: the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and kidneys. Because the pancreas lies deep in the retroperitoneum where overlying bowel gas can limit standard ultrasound visibility, pancreas-focused abdominal MRI provides clear multi-planar soft-tissue and ductal visualization.

Clinical Indications

• Detailed screening of the pancreas for cystic lesions (such as IPMN), pancreatic ductal changes, chronic pancreatitis, or solid masses
• Comprehensive evaluation of liver lesions (hemangiomas, cysts, fatty liver, focal nodules) and biliary tract abnormalities
• Assessment of gallbladder polyps, gallstones, splenic lesions, and renal cysts or masses
• Preventive cross-sectional abdominal screening for individuals with elevated tumor markers, diabetes onset, or family history of pancreaticobiliary disease

How the Screening Works

1. Pre-Scan Fasting & MRI Safety Check: Confirmation of pre-scan fasting and removal of all metallic objects prior to entering the 1.5T MRI suite.
2. Breath-Hold Multi-Sequence Acquisition: Multi-planar abdominal MRI sequences capture high-contrast images of the pancreas, hepatobiliary tree, spleen, and kidneys.
3. Diagnostic Radiology Reading: A board-certified diagnostic radiologist evaluates parenchymal signal intensity, ductal caliber, and organ contours across all five upper abdominal organs.

Preparation & Precautions

• Fast from food and fluids for at least 6 to 8 hours prior to the examination so the gallbladder remains distended and gastrointestinal motion is minimized.
• Practice gentle, consistent breath-holding as guided by the radiologic technologist during the scan to prevent respiratory motion blur.
• Notify the medical staff in advance if you have a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant, or other MRI-incompatible metallic implants.