What is a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA)?
MRA (magnetic resonance angiogram) is a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of blood vessels inside the body. A standard MRI cannot provide a good picture of the blood vessels and blood flow.
People who have an MRA also may have an MRI.
When you have an MRA, you lie on a table and the table moves into the MRI machine. An MRA is done with the same machine as an MRI.
Why is a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) done?
A magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) is done to look for:
- A bulge (aneurysm), clot, or the buildup of fat and calcium deposits (stenosis caused by plaque) in the blood vessels leading to the brain.
- An aneurysm or tear (dissection) in the aorta, which carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
- Narrowing (stenosis) of the blood vessels leading to the heart, lungs, kidneys, or legs.
How is a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) done?
- You may have contrast material (dye) put into your arm through a tube called an I.V.
- You will lie on a table that's part of the MRI scanner.
- The table will slide into the space that contains the magnet.
- Inside the scanner, you will hear a fan and feel air moving. You may hear tapping, thumping, or snapping noises. You may be given earplugs or headphones to reduce the noise.
- You will be asked to hold still during the scan. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods.
- You may be alone in the scanning room. But a technologist will watch through a window and talk with you during the test.
How do you prepare for a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA)?
- In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
- Tell your doctor if you get nervous in tight spaces. You may get a medicine to help you relax. If you think you'll get this medicine, be sure you have someone to take you home
What do the results of a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) mean?
Theradiologistmay talk to you about the results of your MRA right after the test. Complete results are usually ready for your doctor in 1 to 2 days.
Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA)
Normal:
- The blood vessels look normal and the blood flow through them is not reduced or stopped. No blood clots or largeplaquebuildup is seen.
- Blood vessel walls are normal. No bleeding, abnormal collections of fluid, blockage in the flow of blood, or bulges in the blood vessels (aneurysms) are seen.
Abnormal:
- Partial or complete blockage of a blood vessel may be seen. Blockage may be caused by a blood clot, the buildup of fat and calcium deposits (plaque), or narrowing (stenosis) of the blood vessel.
- A bulge (aneurysm) in the blood vessel wall may be seen. Damage to the wall of a blood vessel may be seen.
Conventional angiogram or aCT angiogram(computed tomography angiogram) may be needed after MRA if a problem, such as an aneurysm, is found or if surgery may be needed.
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