Abnormal appearance of the abdominal lymph nodes can be indicative of an inflammatory or malignant process and is often an incidental finding on an MRI or CT scan.
An abdominal MRI is useful in detecting metastatic spread of lymphoma to the spine, although this is rare. It can also visualise deep laying enlarged lymph nodes compressing nearby blood vessels or nerves, potentially causing pain or other symptoms.
Evaluation of enlarged or otherwise distinct appearing abdominal lymph nodes is rarely an indication for an MRI scan, as they are sufficiently imaged on other modalities. A targeted MRI of abdominal lymph nodes would generally not offer any additional information of value.
Contrast (dye)
Some symptoms and illnesses can be hard to detect even on a MRI scan and require injection of dye (contrast) before or during the scan.
It is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
- Tumours
- Inflammation
- Blood vessels
- Distinguishing between scar tissue and normal organ tissue
The injection is considered very safe for most and you will complete a safety questionnaire detailing your medical history before. The contrast agent (dye) is Gadolinium based and most of it is removed by your kidneys within the next day.
Read more about Gadolinium contrast dye