Liver MRI: Indications, Preparation, and What to Expect
When is a Liver MRI Recommended?
A liver MRI is a non-invasive imaging test used to diagnose liver diseases and monitor liver health. It is often performed to investigate findings from other imaging tests such as CT scans or ultrasounds. Common indications include:
- Monitoring advanced liver diseases, such as liver cirrhosis.
- Evaluating liver tumors or suspected malignancies.
- Following up on viral hepatitis treatment, including hepatitis B and C.
- Assessing liver function when there is concern about possible damage.
How to schedule MRI liver in Israel
Simply call us at 03-7724228 or complete the contact form with your contact details, and our representative will contact you promptly with available times.
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How to Prepare for a Liver MRI
Fasting: Requirements vary between imaging centers. Some may ask patients to fast for a few hours before the procedure, while others do not require fasting. Always confirm with your imaging center.
Clothing: Wear metal-free clothing and remove all metal accessories, including jewelry, hairpins, and keys.
Metal implants: Inform the medical staff if you have any metal in your body, such as pacemakers, stents, artificial joints, surgical clips, insulin pumps, metallic fragments, or cochlear implants. Most modern implants are MRI-safe, but all must be reported before the scan.
Claustrophobia: Patients with fear of enclosed spaces may take mild sedatives before the procedure after consulting their doctor.
Contrast agents: Some liver MRIs use gadolinium-based contrast to enhance imaging of blood vessels and improve scan quality. Unlike iodine-based contrasts, gadolinium rarely causes allergic reactions or side effects. However, it should be avoided in cases of advanced kidney failure.
Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant should notify their doctor or MRI technician prior to the scan.
What to Expect During a Liver MRI
- The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes.
- You will lie on a sliding table that moves into the MRI machine.
- You may hear loud knocking or buzzing sounds; ear protection is provided.
- In some cases, contrast dye is injected into a vein to highlight liver vessels and lesions.
Benefits of Liver MRI
- Early detection of liver disease before symptoms appear.
- Accurate diagnosis of liver tumors, cysts, and lesions.
- Non-invasive and radiation-free, making it safer than CT scans for repeated imaging.
- Guides treatment decisions for hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
- Monitors treatment progress and disease recurrence.
