What is the MR Angiography (MRA)?

• Magnetic resonance imaging is anon invasive diagnostic exam that produces detailed images of your body.
• An MRI machine doesn’t use an x-ray but use a powerful magnetic field,radio wave and computer to create an image.
• MRI doesn’t use radiation and can be done without contrast or with contrast when needed (gadolinium contrast material which is safe and less likely to cause allergicre action).
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is used to generate images of arteries and veins in order to evaluate them for stenosis (abnormal narrowing), occlusions, aneurysms
(Vessel wall dilatations, at risk of rupture) or other abnormalities.
• MRA is often used to evaluate the arteries of the neck and brain, thoracic and abdominal aorta, the renal arteries, and the leg.

Why do I need MRA?

Your doctor may order this exam for different reasons that include:
• An aneurysmor weakness in the wall of an artery.
• A narrowing of the aorta, or aortic coarctation.
• Bleeding in and along the wall of the aorta, or aortic dissection.
• To find the cause of a stroke.
• Signs of heart disease.
• Narrowing or blockage of the vessels in the arms or legs.
• Renal artery stenosis, a narrowing of the blood vessels in the kidneys that can lead to high blood pressure and even renal failure.

How to Prepare for the MRA?

You should not have to do too much to prepare for MRA. You may be able to eat, drink and take your medications as usual. However, if your doctor ordered a scan for other parts of your body, such as your abdominal region, they may instruct you not to drink or eat four to six hours before the test.
MRI machine is essentially a magnet; it can interact with metals, thus creating a blurry image. That’s why it helps to leave metal items at home before your appointment, or remove them before you enter the scanning room. You can prepare for your MRA of time by removing the following items from your body and pockets:
• Body piercings
• Pens
• Jewelry
• Hearing aids
• Pins
• Hairpins
• Zippers or any metal clothing fasteners.
• Removable dental work.

Before you schedule your appointment for MRA, make sure to inform the medical staff if you have any of the following conditions:
• Brain aneurysm clips, metal plates or any metal implants.
• Artificial heart valve.
• Pacemaker.
• Inner ear implants.
• Artificial joints.
• Women should always inform their physician and the MRI technologist if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant.
• You should inform your doctor of all medications you are taking and if you have any allergies.
• Inform your doctor of any recent illnesses or other medical conditions and whether you have a history of heart disease, asthma, and diabetes or kidney disease.

In case of contrast Examinations:
• You should not to eat or drink anything (fasting) for a few hours (4 to 6 h) before the exam.
• You should do renal functions test.