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MRA—MAGNETIC
RESONANCE ANGIOGRAM
Procedure
Description
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.
Patient
Preparation for the Procedure
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. Children are often given a sedative because they usually
have trouble remaining still enough for an optimal examination.
Frequently
Asked Questions about MRA
Q:
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.
Q:
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.
Q:
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.
Q:
Where can this procedure be performed?
This procedure can be performed at Rex and at the radiologists' outpatient centers —Raleigh Radiology Cedarhurst and Raleigh Radiology Blue Ridge. High field Open Bore MRI is available at Raleigh Radiology Cedarhurst.
Q:
How do I get the results?
Your examination will typically be interpreted the same day,
and a written report will be faxed and mailed to your physician.
Your physician who requested the MRA test will discuss the
results of the test with you.
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