What is magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)?
Magnetic resonance angiography (MR angiography) is a non-invasive method that can make use of several techniques
MRA angiography makes it possible to study blood vessels, especially arterial and less frequently venous ones, in a given body district.
What is MRA angiography used for?
It can be useful to identify and define a vascular alteration due to stenosis, occlusion, aneurysm or malformation.
MR angiography can be performed with or without contrast medium.
In the first case, an intravenous injection of small amounts of paramagnetic contrast medium is performed (contrast bolus technique).
In the second case, specific sequences are used to obtain indications of the speed and direction of blood flow.
Who can perform MRA angiography?
Magnetic resonance angiography is harmless, but in some patients it is contraindicated:
- wearers of pacemakers and cardiac pacemaker clips or vascular, valvular or metallic prostheses
- in the first two months of pregnancy
Is MRA angiography dangerous or painful?
MR angiography is a non-invasive and painless method.
How does MRA angiography work?
It is performed like an MRA test: the patient lies supine on a couch, which is an integral part of the machine.
Depending on the part of the body to be analysed, the couch will move towards the magnetic field; if necessary, a contrast agent will first be injected.
The test can last between 20 and 45 minutes.
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