Long Island Radiology Associates

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

What is an MRA?

Magnetic Resonance Angiography, or MRA, is an MRI study of the blood vessels. An MRA produces detailed images of body tissue and organs without the need for an x-ray. The electromagnetic energy that is released when exposing a patient to radio waves in a strong magnetic field is measured and analyzed by a computer, which forms two or three dimensional images that may be viewed on a TV monitor. MRA provides detailed images of blood vessels without using any contrast material, although today a special form of contrast usually is given to make the MRI images even clearer. The procedure is painless, and the magnetic field is not known to cause tissue damage of any kind.

What are some common uses of MRA?

  • Screening for problems with blood vessels and determining how to best to treat those problems.
  • Used to confirm atherosclerosis, a condition which may severely narrow or block off an artery, reducing blood flow to the brain and even causing a stroke. 
  • Used to screen for arterial aneurysm, a ballooning out of a segment of the vessel wall. 
  • Detection of diseased intracranial (in the head) arteries.
  • Detection for disease in the aorta and in blood vessels.

How should I prepare for a MRA?

Unless told differently, you can eat normally before the exam. However  for those young children who will receive a sedative, they should not eat or drink for four hours prior to the exam.  Medications may be taken as usual. You will be given a questionnaire to identify any iron-containing objects in the body such as a heart pacemaker, intrauterine device, vascular access port, fillings, braces, metal plate, or pins, screws or staples.  You will be asked to remove hairpins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and any dental work that can be taken out. Some wigs contain metal and must also be removed. You should report any drug allergies to the radiologist or technologist and mention if there is a possibility that you might be pregnant.

What can I expect during this procedure?

A typical exam consists of two to six imaging sequences, each taking two to 15 minutes. Depending on the type of exam being done, the total exam time can range from 10 to 60 minutes. This does not include time needed to change clothing and insert an IV.  The patient is asked to put on a lightweight medical gown for the exam and is placed on a special table and positioned inside the opening of the MRI unit.  Some patients may feel claustrophobic when enclosed in an MRI unit and, if necessary, can be given a sedative to help put you at ease. Each sequence provides a specific image orientation and a specified degree of image clarity or contrast. When contrast material is needed during one of the imaging sequences, a substance called gadolinium is given by IV injection. Gadolinium highlights blood vessels, making them stand out from surrounding tissues.

The radiologist and technologist leave the examining room during the actual imaging process, but the patient can communicate with them at any time using an intercom. Some centers permit a friend or parent to stand nearby during the exam. 

What will I experience during an x-ray?

The technologist will make you as comfortable as possible, but at times the magnet may be within a few inches of your face. For those who become very uncomfortable when enclosed in a small space, a mild sedative is nearly always effective. You may notice a warm feeling in the area being studied. This is normal, but do not hesitate to report it if it bothers you. If you receive a contrast material injection there may be some local discomfort at the IV site. The loud tapping or knocking noises that are heard during certain parts of the exam disturb some patients; earplugs may help. 

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?

A radiologist experienced in MRI will analyze the images and send a report to your primary care or referring physician, who will inform you on your test results. 

For more information please visit www.Radiologyinfo.org.

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