Benefits and Risks – Chest MR Angiography

Benefits

• MRI is a noninvasive imaging technique that does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation.
• Detailed images of blood vessels and blood flow are obtained without having to insert a catheter into the blood vessels, so that there is no risk of damaging a major blood vessel.
• The MR angiography procedure itself may be shorter than a traditional catheter angiogram and requires no recovery period.
• MR angiography is less costly than catheter angiography.
• Even without using contrast material, MR angiography can provide high-quality images of many blood vessels, making it very useful for patients prone to allergic reactions or with reduced kidney function.
• The contrast material used in MRI exams is less likely to produce an allergic reaction than the iodine-based contrast materials used for conventional x-rays and CT scanning.

Risks

• The MRA examination poses almost no risk to the average patient when appropriate safety guidelines are followed.
• Although the strong magnetic field is not harmful in itself, implanted medical devices that contain metal may malfunction or cause problems during an MRI exam.
• There is a very slight risk of an allergic reaction if contrast material is injected. Such reactions usually are mild and easily controlled by medication. If you experience allergic symptoms, a Radiologist or other physician will be available for immediate assistance.
• Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is currently a recognized, but rare, complication of MRI believed to be caused by the injection of high doses of gadolinium contrast material in patients with very poor kidney function.