Download magnetic resonance angiography (mra)

MAGNETIC RESONANCE ANGIOGRAPHY (MRA)
What is magnetic resonance angiography?
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce
two-dimensional or three-dimensional images of the structures inside your body, such
as your heart, brain or blood vessels. When this scanning method is applied to the
blood vessels, it is also sometimes referred to as MRA (magnetic resonance
angiography). MRA helps your surgeon diagnose the following conditions:
•Bulges in your aorta, called aneurysms
•Tears in your aorta, called dissections
•Narrowing of the arteries in and around your kidneys, called renal artery stenosis
•Inflammation in your blood vessels, called vasculitis
•Hardening of the arteries involving the legs or arms (called atherosclerosis)
•Blockages in the major arteries that supply blood to your brain, called carotid artery
disease
The MRA equipment consists of a table that slides in and out of a doughnut-shaped
machine. A computer attached to the machine processes radio waves and magnetic
fields to create two-dimensional or threedimensional images.
MRA not only helps your surgeon diagnose
your condition, it also helps them to plan
treatment. MRA may also, in some
circumstances, have advantages that other
tests do not. For instance, MRA does not
require X-ray exposure to detect narrowing
of arteries, unlike computed tomography
(CT) scans or angiograms.
How do I prepare?
The radiology department may ask you to fast for 4 to 6 hours before the test, but
usually no other preparation is necessary.
You may not be eligible for an MRA if you:
•Weigh more than 140 kg
•Have a pacemaker or other metallic devices inside your body, such as joints,
pins, clips, or valves
•Are on continuous life support devices, such as oxygen
•Are pregnant
•Are claustrophobic
•Are extremely anxious, confused, or agitated and unable to lie still
What happens during an MRA?
The radiology staff will direct you to a special lab or room where a technician will
perform the test. The technician will instruct you to change into a hospital gown and
remove any jewellery or metallic objects that may be affected by the magnetic field. The
technician may give you a sedative to make sure that you lie still during the procedure
because motion can result in poor quality images.
The technician will ask you to lie on the MRA table. The table
slides slowly through a hollow, doughnut-shaped chamber that
exposes you to magnetic fields and pulses of radio waves. These
magnetic fields and radio waves are harmless and painless. The
only discomfort that you may feel during the scan will be from
lying still on the hard table in an enclosed area.
During the test, the technician may speak to you through a
speaker that is inside the MRA room.
Sometimes the technician may inject a contrast dye into your
hand or forearm to improve the quality of the images.
An MRA lasts between 30 and 90 minutes.
What can I expect after an MRA?
Usually you can expect to resume your pre-test activity, unless you required sedation
during the examination. Your doctor will instruct you to arrange for a ride home if you
receive a sedative.
Are there any complications?
Complications such as a reaction to the contrast dye from an MRA are very unusual.
DISCLAIMER - This patient brochure has been reproduced and modified from the website www.vascularweb.org. The information
contained on VascularWeb.org is not intended, and should not be relied upon, as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. It is
very important that individuals with specific medical problems or questions consult with their doctor or other health care professional.