- Strengths
- For characterization of liver, renal or hepatic lesions. Very good for detection of hepatocellular CA/ characterization of discovered liver lesions of uncertain etiology.
- Limitations
- In general CT is better for detection or workup of bowel and solid visceral (non-liver) abnormalities or for general screening.
- Contraindications
- 1) Standard MR questionaire as to contraindicated implanted devices, surgery, etc.; 2) Gadolinium will be dose-adjusted dependent upon creatinine clearance. It will not be given with CrCl <30 due to risk of NSF.
- CPT Code
- 74183
- Exact format for order to be authorized
- MRI abdomen; with and without gadolinium
- Patient Preparation
- None.
