Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is a study of the blood vessels using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).  MRA produces very detailed two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) images of the blood vessels and other parts of the body using radio waves and a strong magnetic field instead of using x-rays.

MRA can be used to view blood vessels throughout the body.  It is most commonly used to study the:

• Brain and neck
• Heart
• Lungs
• Kidneys
• Legs
   

This procedure is done to help doctors identify diseased, narrowed, enlarged and blocked blood vessels and locate where internal bleeding may be occurring.  Some specific uses include:

Detection of atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), which could lead to a heart attack or stroke
In some cases, MRA is used instead of catheter angiography or computed tomography angiography (CTA), especially for viewing the arteries in the heart and neck.  MRA does not require x-rays, inserting a catheter or injecting contrast material to make blood vessels visible.  A contrast dye may be used to get a clearer image, but it has a much lower risk of reactions as compared to the contrast dye used in catheter angiography and CTA.

People with a family history of aneurysm can be screened with MRA to see if they have this disorder before they show any symptoms.  If detected and treated early, serious or fatal bleeding may be avoided.

A pacemaker, metal implant and other metal objects in the body may be affected by MRI and make it hard to get high-quality images.

In the days leading up to your MRI exam:

• You may be asked to avoid using hair gel, spray, lotions, powders and cosmetics before your MRI
• If your doctor prescribes a sedative:
• Arrange for a ride to and from the exam
• Do not ear or drink at least 4 hours before the exam
• Take the sedative 1 – 2 hours before the exam, or as directed
•  If you have not been prescribed a sedative, ear or drink normally, unless your doctor or the technician tells you otherwise.
   

Once at the MRI center:

• You will be asked about:
• Medical history
• Medications you take
• Medication allergies
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• If you have any metal objects in your body
• You will remove any metal containing objects, such as jewelry, hairpins, hearing aids, glasses, wigs (with metal clips) and non-permanent dentures
• An x-ray may be taken beforehand if there is doubt as to whether there are metal objects in your body
• You will also remove all objects from your pockets including your wallet, watch or timepiece
   

If contrast dye is needed, it is injected into a vein.  You will be positioned on a special moveable table with your head, neck or back inside the MRI scanner, which is shaped like a cylinder.  You may be given earplugs or stereo headphones to wear due to the loud banging noise the MRI machine makes during the exam. 

None, unless you are claustrophobic, in which case your doctor can prescribe a sedative to take before the exam. 

You lie very still on a sliding table.  Depending on your medical condition, you may have monitors placed to keep track of your pulse, breathing, etc.  The table is slid into the MRI’s narrow, enclosed cylinder (unless it is an “Open” MRI).  The MRI technician leaves the room, and each of the MRI sequences is performed.  The technician gives you any necessary directions, such as to hold your breath momentarily, through the intercom.  You are able to talk with the technician through the intercom during the exam, so, if you are in pain, frightened or concerned, you are able to communicate immediately.

If a contrasting dye (called Gadolinium) is needed, a small IV needle is inserted into your hand or arm before you are slid into the MRI machine.  First, a saline solution is dripped into your vein to prevent your blood from clotting.  Then, usually two-thirds of the way through the exam, the Gadolinium is injected.

When the MRI exam is complete, you are taken out of the MRI scanner.  The IV will be removed (if you had contrast), and you will dress and wait in the waiting room.

You will be asked to wait until the MRI images are checked to determine if more images are needed.  If so, more images will be taken at that time.

40– 60 minutes

An MRI exam is painless.  If you have contrast dye injected, there may be a momentary stinging when the IV needle is inserted.  You might feel a slight cooling feeling when the Gadolinium is injected. 

 If you are claustrophobic, you may find this exam very difficult.  A conventional MRI machine is a very small, enclosed cylindrical tube.  You will need to lie very still in it for an extended period of time.  However, you can ask your doctor to prescribe a sedative for the exam.  “Open” MRI scanners generally do not produce MRA with the detail of a conventional MRI scanner.

An allergic reaction to contrast dye (Gadolinium) can occur if it is used. 

None

If you took a sedative, do not drive, operate machinery or make important decisions until after the sedative wears off completely.  If you are breastfeeding and receive contrast dye during the MRI, wait at least 24 hours after the exam before breastfeeding again.

After the exam, a radiologist will analyze the images and send a report to your doctor.  Your doctor will discuss the results with you.

It is essential for you to monitor your recovery once you leave the health care facility.  In this way, you can alert your doctor to any problems right away.  If you received contrast dye, call your doctor immediately if any of the following occurs:

• Hives
• Itching
• Nausea
• Swollen or itchy eyes
• Tightness of the throat
• Trouble breathing