Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen

MRI of the abdomen currently competes with CT and ultrasonography as an imaging technique for abdominal pathology. Although ultrasonography has certain advantages, such as real-time scanning, the major comparison is to be made between MR and CT. CT has slightly superior spatial resolution and minimal motion artifacts, and enables the use of contrast agents in bowel. MR, on the other hand, has improved capabilities in contrasting soft tissues and providing multiplanar imaging. The greatest advantage of CT is the experience that the medical community has gained with it over the last decade. Further development in technology and improvement in the clinical experience with MR will be important in determining its future role in abdominal imaging. Large series of clinical trials are required for further experience. Chemical spectroscopy with proton and possibly other nuclei may improve diagnostic specificity. Paramagnetic contrast agents for bowel specification would certainly improve imaging quality. Thus, MR will play a significant role in abdominal imaging in the future