MRA

Summary
FAQ
Doctors
Exam Prep
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Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a special type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test designed to evaluate arteries, veins, and the flowing blood within them. During an MRI examination, the patient is placed inside the opening of a very large magnet. Radiofrequency pulses are used within the magnetic field to generate detailed images of internal organs. No X-rays or ionizing radiation of any kind is necessary for an MRI exam. During an MRA exam, special types of pulses are used to create pictures of flowing blood and blood vessels. MRA is performed without need for catheters, and in many cases without need for any type of dyes or contrast injections. Sometimes, to produce exceptionally detailed pictures, MRI dye (gadolinium) is injected into a vein in the arm.

MRA is performed on the arteries of the neck and brain to test for any narrowing or plaque buildup that could lead to stroke, or for any weakening or ballooning of the arteries (aneurysms) that could lead to bleeding around the brain. MRA is performed on the arteries to the kidneys to test for narrowing that could lead to hypertension (high blood pressure). MRA is performed on the pelvis and legs to look for narrowing that could lead to painful walking or nonhealing ulcers or to look for blood clots in the veins.

To Learn More, visit the following:
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/mr_of_the_body.htm
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/mr_of_the_head.htm
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/content/mr_musculoskeletal.htm

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an MRA hurt?

No. There is no pain involved with an MRI/MRA examination. Some patients with severe claustrophobia have difficulty with the test because the inside of the MRI machine is confining. High field Open Bore MRI is a new option for larger or claustrophobic patients. Loud tapping or banging noises are often made by the machine and may disturb sensitive patients.
What are the risks of an MRI/MRA?

There are no known harmful effects created by the magnetic field or the radio waves. The exam is dangerous to patients with certain implanted devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, and aneurysm clips. MRI/MRA would not be performed on these patients. If contrast examination is necessary, then there is a very small risk of allergic reaction to the injected contrast dye.
Who will read my scan?

All MRI/MRA exams at Raleigh Radiology are interpreted by board-certified diagnostic radiologists with fellowship training or with experience and special interest in MRI.
Where can this procedure be performed?

This procedure can be performed at all of our outpatient imaging facilities. (Blue Ridge, Cedarhurst, Cary, Clayton and Wake Forest)
How do I get the results?

Your examination will typically be interpreted within 24 hours, and a written report will be faxed or mailed to your physician depending on their preference. Your physician who requested the MRA test will discuss the results of the test with you.

W. Kent Davis, MD

Neuroradiologist

Medical Director, Raleigh Radiology Cedarhurst, Clayton, Wake Forest, and Brier Creek
BS, Duke University
MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Internship in internal medicine, Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore
Resident in radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Fellowship in neuroradiology, Duke University Medical Center
Certificate of Added Qualifications in Neuroradiology awarded by American Board of Radiology
Member, American Society of Neuroradiology
Native of North Carolina

Expertise in head, neck, and spine imaging; breast imaging and breast intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1990

Andrew B. Weber, MD

Vascular and Interventional Radiologist

BS, University of Pennsylvania
MD, Temple University Medical School
Internship in surgery, York Hospital
Chief resident, Duke University Medical Center
Former Chief, Rex Hospital Radiology
2009 Chairman, Rex Hospital Open
Rex Corporate Counsel
Native of Pennsylvania

Expertise in vascular/interventional radiology and MR angiography
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1992

Julia K. Taber, MD

Women’s Imaging Radiologist

Chief of Radiology at Rex Hospital
BS, Brown University
MD, Duke University Medical School
Internship in internal medicine, New York Hospital
Resident in diagnostic radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Fellowship in mammography and pediatric radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Member, Society of Breast Imaging
Member, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Women’s Imaging Radiologist

Expertise in breast imaging, breast intervention, and pediatric radiology

Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1993

Gregory C. Hinn, MD

Musculoskeletal Radiologist

Head of Musculoskeletal Imaging at Rex Hospital
BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
MD, Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University
Resident in radiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
Fellowship in diagnostic and interventional musculoskeletal radiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
Musculoskeletal radiologist for the North Carolina State University Athletic Department.
Raised in North Carolina

Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging with bone and joint intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1995

Gregory A. Bortoff, MD, PhD

Abdominal Imaging Radiologist

Head of Computed Tomography (CT) at Rex Hospital
Radiologist Recruiter
BS, Cornell University
MD, PhD, State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse
Resident in radiology, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Fellowship in abdominal imaging, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Member, Radiological Society of North America
Member, American Roentgen Ray Society
Native of New York

Expertise in abdominal imaging, including MRI, MRA, ultrasound, oncologic imaging, and PET/CT
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1999

Jerry L. Watson, MD

Abdominal Imaging Radiologist

BS with honors, Johns Hopkins University
MD, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Resident in radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Fellowship in abdominal imaging, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chief of Radiology, 67th Combat Support Hospital, United States Army, Germany 1996–1998
Native of Georgia

Expertise in abdominal imaging, including MRI, MRA, ultrasound, breast intervention, oncologic imaging, and PET/CT
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 1999

Cynthia S. Payne, MD

Vascular and Interventional & Neuroradiologist

MD, Medical College of Ohio
Internship, Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Resident, neurology and radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Fellowships in molecular neurogenetics, vascular/interventional radiology and neuroradiology, Duke University Medical Center
Certificate of Added Qualifications in Neuroradiology, Vascular and
Interventional Radiology awarded by American Board of Radiology
Director of neuro-interventional radiology, Greater Baltimore Medical Center
Native of North Carolina

Expertise in vascular and interventional radiology, diagnostic, and interventional neuroradiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2001

Tracey E. O’Connell, MD

Musculoskeletal Radiologist

BA, University of Colorado at Boulder
MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Resident in radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Member, Radiological Society of North America
Native of California

Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging with bone and joint intervention and abdominal imaging including MRI, MRA, CT, and ultrasound
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2001

Jennifer S. Van Vickle, MD

Abdominal Imaging Radiologist

Head of Ultrasound at Rex Hospital
BA, University of Chicago, M.Div and Th.M, Duke University
MD, Duke University Medical Center
Internship in internal medicine, Duke University Medical Center
Resident in diagnostic radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Fellowship in abdominal imaging and mammography, Duke University Medical Center
Native of Missouri

Expertise in breast imaging, breast intervention, abdominal and pelvic imaging, including CT, ultrasound, and MRI
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2002

Gintaras E. Degesys, MD

Musculoskeletal Radiologist

BA with high honors, Kenyon College
MD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Internship and chief resident, Northwestern University
Fellowship in interventional and abdominal imaging, Duke University Medical Center
Certificate of Added Qualifi cations in Vascular and Interventional Radiology awarded by American Board of Radiology
Native of Ohio

Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging, breast intervention, and abdominal imaging and intervention
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2002

Laura O. Thomas, MD

Abdominal Imaging Radiologist

Head of Rex Breast Care Center at Rex Hospital
Radiologist Recruiter
BA, Princeton University
MD, Duke University Medical School
Internship in internal medicine, UNC Hospitals
Chief resident, Duke University Medical Center
Fellowship in women’s and abdominal imaging, Duke University Medical Center
Native of Missouri

Expertise in breast imaging, breast intervention, abdominal imaging, oncologic imaging, and PET/CT
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2003

John G. “Jay” Alley, Jr, MD

Neuroradiologist

Vice Chief of Radiology at Rex Hospital
BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program, Columbia University, New York
MD, University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Co-chief resident in diagnostic radiology, University of North Carolina Hospitals
Fellowship in neuroradiology, University of North Carolina Hospitals
Native of North Carolina

Expertise in neuroradiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2004

Todd J. Roth, MD

Abdominal Imaging Radiologist

BS, University of Texas, Austin
MD, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio
Residency, Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem
Fellowship in abdominal imaging, Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University
Native of Kansas

Expertise in abdominal and pelvic MRI, MRA, CT, and ultrasound
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2004

Steven R. Carter, MD

Musculoskeletal Radiologist

BS, University of Virginia
MS, Medical College of Virginia
MD, Medical College of Virginia
Internship in internal medicine, MCV
Chief resident, diagnostic radiology, Emory University
Fellowship in musculoskeletal imaging, Emory University
Member, American Roentgen Ray Society, American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America
Musculoskeletal radiologist for the Carolina Hurricanes
Native of Richmond, Virginia

Expertise in musculoskeletal radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2005

Satish Mathan, MD

Vascular and Interventional Radiologist

Head of Interventional and Vascular Radiology at Rex Hospital
BS, University of California at Santa Barbara
MD, Medical College of Wisconsin
Internship, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA
Chief resident, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC
Fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology, University of North Carolina Hospitals
Member, Society of Interventional Radiology, American College of Radiology
Native of Raleigh, North Carolina

Expertise in interventional radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2005

Andrew G. Moran, MD

Nuclear Medicine Radiologist

Head of Nuclear Medicine Radiology at Rex Hospital
BS, Idaho State University
MD, Utah School of Medicine
Residency, Duke University Medical Center
Fellowships in body imaging and nuclear radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Member, Society of Nuclear Medicine
Native of California

Expertise in abdominal imaging, oncologic imaging, nuclear medicine and PET/CT
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2006

Joshua B. Mitchell, MD

Musculoskeletal Radiologist

BA, University of Virginia
MD, University of Tennessee College of Medicine
Internship, Medical University of South Carolina
Chief resident, Medical University of South Carolina
Fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology, University of Florida
Member, American College of Radiology, South Carolina
Radiological Society, Association of University Radiologists, Radiological Society of North America
Native of Chattanooga, Tennessee

Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2007

Jeffrey Browne, MD

Musculoskeletal Radiologist

BS, Boston College
MD, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Internship, St. Raphael’s Hospital
Residency, Duke University Medical Center
Fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Member, American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America and American Roetgen Ray Society.
Native of Connecticut

Expertise in musculoskeletal imaging
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2008

Michael C. Hollingshead, MD

Neuroradiologist

Head of Neuroradiology at Rex Hospital
BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Internship, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Residency, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Fellowship in neuroradiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Certificate of added Qualifications in Neuroradiology awarded by American Board of Radiology
Member, American Society of Neuroradiology, American College of Radiology,Radiological Society of North America
Native of Massachusetts

Expertise in neuroradiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2008

Jason R. Harris, MD

Vascular and Interventional Radiologist

BS, Brigham Young University
MD, Harvard Medical School
Internship, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Massachusetts
Residency, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
Fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology, Duke University Medical Center
Member, American College of Radiology, Society of Interventional Radiology
Native of California

Expertise in vascular and interventional and musculoskeletal radiology
Joined Raleigh Radiology in 2008

There is no special diet or medication needed for an MRA exam. To prepare for the exam, all that is necessary is that the patient remove eyeglasses, hearing aids, hairpins, removable dental work, jewelry, watches, or any other metallic objects. Often the patient will be allowed to remain in street clothes, but must empty pockets of keys, credit cards, bank cards, coins, etc. Other times the patient will change into a hospital gown.

MRI Screening Questions:

Is this your First MRI? ____ If no, where was the previous MRI performed? ___________
Was the previous MRI for the same problem?______
What is your weight? _____ (If between 330 - 550lbs, you should be scheduled at Blue Ridge or Cedarhurst location. If under 330lbs, you can be scheduled at Cary, Wake Forest or Clayton facilities.)
Have you ever sought medical treatment for getting metal fragments in your eyes or had significant exposure to welding, grinding or soldering due to your profession or hobby? If yes, an orbit x-ray will be done free of charge prior to your scan. These x-rays are done on a walk in basis during the following hours:
- Blue Ridge Mon – Fri 8:00am – 5:15pm
- Cary Mon – Fri 8:30am – 4:45pm
- Cedarhurst Mon – Fri 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Wake Forest Mon – Fri 8:00am -5:00pm
Have you ever had any type of cancer? ___ If yes, what type and when were you diagnosed?__________
Are you claustrophobic? ___ If yes, you should be scheduled at the Open Bore MRI locations at Blue Ridge or Cedarhurst. If you and your physician determine that a sedative (such as Valium) is needed for this procedure, you must arrive prior to your scan to complete paperwork and you MUST bring a driver.
Do you have renal failure? ____
Are you over 60 yrs old? ____ Are you diabetic? ____
Do you have high blood pressure? ___ If so, we must have labs with a Creatinine to determine GFR. (Labs are considered current within 90 days)
Do you have any implanted devices such as Aneurysm clips, insulin pumps, TENS unit, epidural drug delivery, artificial heart valve, defibrillator or a Pacemaker? ____ (If yes, you probably cannot have a MRI or your physician must provide us documentation with make and model of implanted devices )
Have you had surgery in the last 6 weeks? ___ If yes, what kind?_________________
(We suggest you schedule 6 weeks after your surgery)
Have you ever had any surgery on the area being scanned? __ If yes, when?___
Do you have a chest port for IV access? ____ If yes, we do not have a nurse to inject contrast into a port – we must inject the patient.
Please bring a list of all medications you are currently taking.
Is there chance you could be pregnant? _____
Does this exam require pre-authorization from your insurance? ______