What is a Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MRE)?
- Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MRE) is an imaging test that takes detailed pictures of your small intestine
- This helps you doctor see if there is any inflammation, bleeding or other problems in your small intestine
- An MRE is not an x-ray so it there is no radiation
- An MRE uses a magnetic field to create images and a computer to evaluate the images of your small intestine
- An oral contrast will be given to drink before the test
- The MRE takes about 45 minutes
Why is an MRE needed?
An MRE is used to look for:
- Inflammation or swelling
- Obstructions or blockages
- Abscesses – puss filled pockets
- Fistulas
- Assess how well treatments are working
What is the preparation for an MRE?
Preparation for an MRE includes:
- Making sure you know why the test has been ordered
- Let your healthcare provider know if you have kidney disease, are a diabetic, have any implanted medical devices or may be pregnant
- Do not wear any jewelry or body piercings, or bring any valuable personal items to the procedure.
- Do not carry any metal objects into the exam room such as hairpins and metal zippers.
- On the day of the test, the patient may have a light breakfast. Please drink plenty of clear fluids before arriving for the test. This will help keep the bowel filled
- Upon arrival for the test the patient will be given a bowel prep to drink. The patient has 2 hours to drink a total of 1 to 2 litres of the bowel prep
- The patient will be injected with Buscopan IV to suspend bowel motion
What happens after MRE?
- Some people have mild nausea, cramping, or diarrhea from the contrast
Additional Resources:
- Watch the "MRE Tour at SickKids" video on YouTube.
