Has anyone had luck getting MRI of small bowel instead of CT?

Merry Christmas/Happy Holdays to all. I am trying to rule out (or at least not rule in, whichis sort if all one can do) crohns in my UC-predominant but somewhat undeterminate IBD... The CT seems to be the gold standard for the small bowel because it is less susceptible to motion as is normal due to bowel vibrations (motility) and any imvoluntary movement by the patient during the scan... But goodness, the amount of radiation is massive whereas an MRI's are negligable. Insurance would probably resist the MRI which is much pricier but I am not fond of CT's unless it is a final one just before jpouch surgery for good measure- has anyone had luck getting a planned CT of small bowell changed to an MRI, and with good clear results.

I'm not sure if the CT is more reliable than the MRI (I think you mentioned it was) but I believe the MRI is very reliable and much safer. The CT is no longer used at our hospital. I think if you did a combo of MRI/Pill cam you would be likely to get as definitive a result as possible.

You should insist on the dummy pill first. It dissolves if it gets stuck. It's pretty unlikely with UC or CD which "looks like" UC that it'll get stuck - I tried to get the dummy for my daughter but they refused because she "has UC"? Anyway, I think you'll have more luck getting it where you are.

Thanks again for all the scoop- and dummy pillcam test sounds like a must I agree. Oh, re barium crxp that one drinks- I hear it does create D but was told (of course I believe wgatever a doc says... Lol- not) it wont cause actual flaring (or worsening of flaring??)