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Magnetic Resonance Angiography by Laurie Rosenblum, MPH

Definition | Reasons for Test | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

Definition

MRA is a study of the blood vessels using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer, an MRA makes two-dimensional and three-dimensional pictures.

MRA Interpretation

Reasons for Test

This test is done to:

Identify diseased, narrowed, enlarged, and blocked blood vessels
Locate internal bleeding

What to Expect

Prior to Test

If your doctor prescribes a sedative:

Arrange for a ride home.
Do not eat or drink for at least four hours before the exam.
Take the sedative 1-2 hours before the exam, or as directed.

At the MRI center:

You will be asked about the following:
- Medical and surgical history
- Pregnancy
- Allergies
- Whether you have any metal objects in your body
You will be asked if you have something in your body that would interfere with the MRA, such as:
- Pacemaker or implantable defibrillator
- Neurostimulator
- Ear implant
- Metal fragments in your eyes or in any other part of your body—Tell your doctor if your work involves metal filings or particles.
- Implanted port device, such as an insulin pump
- Metal plate, pins, screws, or surgical staples
- Metal clips from aneurysm repair
- Retained bullets
- Any other large metal objects in your body (Tooth fillings and braces are usually fine.)
You will remove any metal objects (eg, jewelry, hearing aids, glasses) and change into a gown.
An x-ray may be taken to check for any metal objects in your body.

You may be:

Given ear plugs or headphones to wear (The MRI machine makes a loud banging noise.)
Given an injection of a contrast dye into your vein
Allowed to have a family member or friend with you during the test

Description of the Test

If contrast is used, a small IV needle will be inserted into your hand or arm before you are moved into the MRI machine. The contrast will be injected during one set of images. It helps to make some organs and vessels easier to see on the pictures. You might have an allergic reaction to the dye, but this is rare

You will lie on a special table. This table will be moved inside the opening of the MRI machine. Most MRIs will consist of 2-6 sets of images. Each one will take between 2-15 minutes. You will need to lie still while the images are being taken. You may need to hold your breath briefly. The technician will be in another room. You will be able to talk to her through an intercom.

After Test

You will be asked to wait at the facility while the images are examined. The technician may need more images.
If you took a sedative, do not drive or operate machinery until it wears off.
If you are breastfeeding and receive contrast dye, you and your doctor should discuss when you should restart breastfeeding. Information available has not found any ill effects to the baby if a breastfeeding mother has had contrast dye.
Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

How Long Will It Take?

40-90 minutes

Will It Hurt?

The test is painless. However, you may notice the following:

Loud knocking or tapping noises from the machine
Brief stinging when the IV needle is inserted (if contrast is used)

Results

Your doctor will discuss the findings with you and any treatment you may need.

Call Your Doctor

After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Worsening of symptoms
Allergic or abnormal symptoms (if contrast material was used)

In case of emergency, call 911.

RESOURCES:

American Heart Association http://www.americanheart.org/
RadiologyInfo http://www.radiologyinfo.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca/
Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/

References:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). University of Iowa Department of Radiology website. Available at: http://www.radiology.uiowa.edu/MRI/index.html. Accessed July 27, 2009.
MRI. HeartCenterOnline website. Available at: http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.healthline.com/adamcontent/mri. Updated October 2008. Accessed July 27, 2009.
MR angiography (MRA). RadiologyInfo website. Available at: http://www.radiologyinfo.org. Updated June 3009. Accessed July 27, 2009.
Yucel EK, Anderson CM, Edelman RR, et al. Magnetic resonance angiography: update on applications for extracranial arteries. Circulation. 1999;100:2284.

Last reviewed November 2009 by Craig Clark, DO, FACC, FAHA, FASE and Brian P. Randall, MD

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