Magnetic Resonance Angiography

In magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer produce the detailed images. MR angiography does not use ionizing radiation (X-rays).

MR angiography may be performed with or without contrast material. If needed, the contrast material is usually injected using a vein in the arm.

Common Uses of MR Angiography

MR angiography is used to examine blood vessels in key areas of the body, including the:

• Abdomen
• Brain
• Kidneys
• Heart
• Legs
• Lungs
• Neck
• Pelvis

Doctors use the procedure to:

• Identify disease and aneurysms in the aorta, both in the chest and abdomen, or in other major blood vessels.
• Detect atherosclerosis disease in the carotid artery of the neck, which may limit blood flow to the brain and Cause a stroke.
• Identify a small aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation inside the brain.
• Detect atherosclerotic disease that has narrowed the arteries to the legs and help prepare for endovascular intervention or surgery.
• Detect disease in the arteries to the kidneys or visualize blood flow to help prepare for a kidney transplant.
• Guide interventional radiologists and surgeons making repairs to diseased blood vessels, such as implanting stents or evaluating a stent after implantation.
• Detect injury to one of more arteries in the neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis or extremities in trauma patients.
• Evaluate arteries feeding a tumor prior to surgery or other procedures such as chemoembolization or selective internal radiation therapy.
• Identify dissection or splitting in the aorta in the chest or abdomen or its major branches.
• Show the extent and severity of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries and plan for a surgical operation, such as a coronary bypass and stenting.
• Sample blood from specific veins in the body to detect any endocrine disease.
• Examine pulmonary arteries in the lungs to detect pulmonary embolism (blood clots from leg veins).
• Screen individuals for arterial disease, especially patients with a family history of arterial disease or disorders.