MR Angiography (MRA)
Magnetic Resonance Angiography

Renal MRA

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) uses MRI technology to examine and diagnose heart disorders, stroke, and blood vessel diseases. With this technology, your physician is better able to determine the method in which to treat the problems associated your symptoms. In order to make the MRA images more distinct, a special form of non-allergic contrast may be used.

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What are some of the areas an MRA is able to obtain images?:

• Carotid Artery - arteries, in the neck, that conducts blood flow to the brain. A blocked artery can result in reduced blood flow causing a stroke
  
• Aortic Disease - disease of the aorta and blood vessels supplying the kidneys, lungs, and legs
  
• Heart Chamber - the size and thickness of the chambers of the heart are displayed. This scan reveals how much damage has been caused to the heart by either progressive heart disease or a heart attack. A functional MRI, used to determine a variety of heart problems, can also be obtained during this study by creating an animated image of the beating heart
  
• Blocked Vessel - an MRA may demonstrate a narrowing or a total block of a blood vessel
  
• Blocked Vein - not only can an MRA show blocked arteries, but it can also show blocked veins
  
• Aneurysm Screening - patients with a family history of arterial aneurysm can be screened with an MRA

 

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How do I prepare for the MRA?

Alert your radiologist if you have any iron-containing object in your body. This can be anything from a pacemaker, IUD, vascular access port, metal plate, pins, screws, staples or shrapnel. The radiologist should also be told as to whether you have ever had a bullet in your body, or whether you have worked with metal or if you have had a joint replacement. Unless you are told differently, you may eat normally before the exam and take your usual medications.

 

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What happens during the procedure?

You are placed on a special table and positioned inside the opening of the MRI unit. There are between two to six imaging sequences taken, each sequence lasting from two to 15 minutes. Depending on the type of exam being done, the total time needed can range from 10 to 60 minutes. If a contrast medium is necessary for your exam, it will be given by IV injection during one of the imaging sequences.

The technologist leave the examination room during the actual imaging process, but you can communicate with them at any time using an intercom.

 

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What are the risks?

There are no definite side effects from any type of MRI study including MR angiography. Claustrophobia may be a problem for some people. If it is severe, a light sedative may be given or an alternative imaging method may have to be used.

 

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How do I get the results?

A radiologist experienced in MRI will analyze the results and send a report to your physician, along with an interpretation of the findings. Your physician will discuss the results of the MRA with you.

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