About the Scan – Brain MR Angiography
MR angiography is a medical test that helps SMIL radiologists diagnose medical conditions related to blood vessels in the brain.
In magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer produce the detailed images. MR angiography does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).
MR angiography may be performed without or with contrast material. If needed, the contrast material is usually administered through a small catheter placed in a vein in your arm.
Physicians use the MR angiography procedure to:
- identify abnormalities, such as aneurysms.
- identify a small aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation (abnormal communications between blood vessels) inside the brain.
An MRA is usually done on an outpatient basis. During the procedure, you will be positioned on the moveable examination table.
Devices that contain coils capable of sending and receiving radio waves may be placed around or adjacent to the area of the body being studied. You will be moved into the magnet of the MRI unit and the SMIL radiologist and technologist will leave the room while the MRI examination is performed.
When the examination is completed, you may be asked to wait until the technologist or radiologist checks the images in case additional images are needed.
MRI exams generally include multiple runs (sequences), some of which may last several minutes. The entire brain MRA examination is usually completed in less than 60 minutes once imaging has started.
Learn how to prepare for the scan in the MR angiography preparations section.
Find out if this procedure is right for you in the benefits and risks of MR angiography section.
For a downloadable/printable PDF about this exam with preparation instructions click here.
