Enterography

Since MR Enterography requires contrast, you will drink several bottles of oral contrast material (about 50 ounces total) during the hour leading up to the exam. You will also have an IV started for injection of the second contrast material, as well as a medication that slows down the normal contractions of the intestines. This allows for the best possibly imaging quality.

During any MRI scan, you’ll lie comfortably on your back on a table that is moved inside of a large magnet. A piece of equipment called a "coil," which sends and receives radio frequency waves, will be placed around your midsection. During the scan you will hear various noises, ranging from a buzzing to a loud knocking. We’ll provide earplugs, or in some cases music, to help with the noise.

Because an MRI exam takes images (or "slices") from various angles, several sets of images will be taken, each lasting from one to 10 minutes. It’s important to lie very still during each sequence in order to produce clear, diagnostic images. The total exam time can range from 30 to 60 minutes.

Since you will be positioned within a large, very strong magnet, you must remove all loose metal objects. Doing so is important for your safety and the safety of our staff, and to ensure proper functioning of the equipment. You may be asked to change into a gown or scrubs unless you are wearing clothing that is metal-free. Please let us know ahead of time if any of the following applies to you:

• Cardiac Pacemaker
• Artificial heart valve prosthesis
• Eye Implants or metal ear implants
• Any metal implants activated electronically, magnetically, or mechanically
• Aneurysm clips
• Copper 7 IUD
• Penile implant
• Shrapnel or non-removed bullet
• Pregnancy
• Claustrophobia
• Any metal puncture(s) or fragment(s) in the eye

Do not eat or drink for 4 hours before the exam. Please arrive an hour early in order to register and begin drinking the contrast material. If your procedure has been scheduled with sedation or anesthesia, that will also begin at this time. Do not take prescribed sedation medications until you are instructed to do so by the technologist. If you have any questions about your medications, please call the center where you are being scanned and ask to speak with a technologist. All patients receiving sedation must have someone with them to drive them home after the procedure.

One of our subspecialized physicians will review your scan and send a report to your physician within 48 hours. Your physician will contact you to discuss the results.

Carolinas Imaging Services - Ballantyne
Carolinas Imaging Services - Huntersville
Carolinas Imaging Services - South Park

This procedure requires a physician referral. Typically your referring physician will schedule an appointment for you. If you have been asked to schedule the appointment yourself, please have your physician's order and any pre-authorization information required by your insurance or health plan provider in hand, and call 704-442-4390.

Please check with your insurance plan to confirm that the procedure is covered. You may be responsible for all or a portion of the bill.  Payment may be required at the time of service. For questions regarding insurance coverage, and/or billing please call 704-362-7020.