As per the research every year liver diseases account for approximately 2 million to 2.5 million deaths over the globe. Liver diseases are becoming a big burden because, among all liver diseases, liver cirrhosis is the 11th, and hepatitis and alcoholism are the 16th most common causes of death. Globally there are 16% of people miss cirrhosis of the liver because it is left undiagnosed and untreated. MRI scan is the best imaging methodology to diagnose and fight against chronic liver problems.
It is true about the liver; it is an organ in the human body that develops the symptoms of the problem at a progressive level or you can say that at an advanced level. But to prevent the chance of death due to liver disease, it should be timely diagnosed and treated.
Take Away:
- The liver disease progresses slowly and shows symptoms at an advanced stage when it progressed enough to develop symptoms.
- MRI liver scan is the best procedure to detect chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, fatty liver and tumors in the liver, etc.
- MRI liver scan helps in detection of the all liver diseases at an early stage. So, it is possible to know about the possible prognosis of the disease.
- It takes 30-45 mins. for a Liver MRI Scan procedure for the diagnosis of the problem.
This blog covers the MRI Liver scan in a detailed way.
Liver MRI Scan
A liver MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) Scan is an imaging test that is used to diagnose various kinds of liver-related disorders such as alcoholic liver, fatty liver, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, etc. Because it provides valuable information about what is going on inside the liver at an early stage. So, it is considered the best tool for problem detection and choosing the appropriate treatment.
Why Liver MRI Scan?
There is no doubt, every disease has various types of diagnostic and imaging procedures to diagnose liver-related problems such as Liver Function tests, ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI scans. Depending on the severity of liver disease, the doctor decides the best diagnostic procedure for your liver-related issues.
Every imaging procedure has pros and cons, and depending on the medical requirements, an MRI liver scan is recommended.
Why Do I Need Liver MRI Scan?
Liver-related disorders can be easily shown through various serum tests. But when the regular serum tests for liver issues show an abnormal result, then doctors ask for a liver MRI scan to diagnose the liver-related acute and chronic issues at an initial stage.
Diagnosis of the liver related diseases/ disorders such as:
- Hepatitis
- Cirrhosis of liver
- Fatty Liver
- Abnormal growth in liver
The early detection of liver diseases not only helps in getting accurate and early preventive treatment but to prevent the possibility of death because of liver diseases.
How Do I Prepare For A Liver MRI Scan?
Doctors give some instructions that you need to follow before the MRI Liver scan for effective results and prevent the possibility of complications.
- Give your medical history including the previous test reports if any, medications or supplements you are taking, allergy reaction if you have, etc.
- Tell your doctor, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or claustrophobic.
- Inform your doctor, if you are having metallic implants such as a pacemaker, surgical clips, dental fillings, etc.
- If your doctor needs more clarity about your liver issues, he may recommend you MRI your Liver with contrast and undergo the scan with contrast, you may instruct for the fasting of 6-8 hours.
- You may ask to change your clothes to a hospital gown.
What Is The Procedure For An MRI Liver Scan?
- Once you become ready after changing your clothes to a hospital gown, the technologist asks you to lie motionless on the narrow table that is attached to the MRI scanner.
- Technologists are in a different room to operate the machine and slide your table into the scanner for the scanning procedure.
- Once the scanning table slides into the machine, it starts scanning and capturing images of a specific area.
- During the scanning procedure, you may listen to loud sounds so the technologist may give you headphones so that you don’t get disturbed because of sounds.
- Once the scanning procedure is over, your table slides out of the scanner.
How Much Time Does An MRI Liver Scan Take?
The MRI Liver scan takes 15mins to 20mins, it may fluctuate because sometimes the procedure needs to be repeated due to movement while scanning. While the entire procedure of an MRI Liver scan which includes preparatory and scanning takes 30 mins to 45mins. But if the doctor requires more clarity about the problems in the liver organ, then he or she may ask for an MRI liver scan with contrast. In that case, Technologist gives contrast dye through an IV line into your vein and your body takes around 60mins to hold the contrast dye completely. So, an MRI liver scan with contrast may take 90mins to 120mins.
What Is The Cost Of An MRI Liver Scan?
Aside, from the benefits and time duration of an MRI liver scan, the other question that strikes the mind is regarding the cost. Normally the MRI Liver Scan Cost can be between Rs. 7000 To Rs. 9000, based on the technology used by the diagnostic center in a different city.
Conclusion
Lifestyle and diet play an important role in causing the problems as well as reversal of the problem but if detected at an early stage. Various liver problems can be treated effectively with a timely and accurate diagnosis. Many diagnostic methods are used for the diagnosis of the problem. MRI scan is one of the most effective and reliable diagnostic procedures to diagnosis liver problems. One doctor knows about the problem, he guides the dedicated treatment, lifestyle modification, and diet not only to treat the problem but also to prevent its recurrence.
