Magnetic Resonance Angiography also known as magnetic resonance angiogram or MRA helps in viewing blood vessels that help in diagnosing various conditions. In this blog, we will discuss in detail about the MRA.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography uses a large tunnel shaped machine in which you are placed so that your scan images are captured. These scan images are used to visualise blood vessels and bloodstream. The MRA procedure might use contrast injection to obtain more clear images. This test can detect narrowing or blockages in your arteries.
Difference Between MRI and an MRA
Both the MRA and MRI procedure uses the same magnetic resonance imaging technique. The MRA procedure uses MRI to create the blood vessel images. An IV contrast can also be used to enhance the quality of these images that help appreciate the arteries better on the scan images.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography vs CT Angiography
Both the MRA and CTA procedures are painless and non-invasive techniques that are used to visualise the blood vessels in scan images.However a CT angiography procedure is relatively faster technique than the MRA procedure. Both the procedures use different contrast mediums. The CT scan uses ionising radiation to produce scan images while the MRA procedure uses string magnetic and radio waves instead. Which makes MRA a radiation free and safe procedure.
What Are the Uses of the MRA Procedure?
Your doctor might order you an MRA procedure to plan certain surgeries or to checkk your artery after a bypass surgery.
They do the procedure to look at your
- Carotid arteries
- peripheral artery
- Pulmonary arteries
- Coronary arteries
- Aorta
- Artery if you have vasculitis or atherosclerosis
- Renal arteries
Certain diseases or conditions are also diagnosed using MRA such as
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Stretched out artery wall aneurysm
- Aortic dissection
- Blood clot in your lungs-Pulmonary embolism
- Atherosclerosis
- Artery stenosis or narrowing
- Arteriovenous malformation
- Congenital heart diseases
- Stroke
- Other blood vessel issues
How Do I Prepare for an MRA Study?
- Eat/Drink- You can continue to eat or drink as normal unless told otherwise
- Clothes- You need to wear a hospital gown for the scan procedure. Also, all the kinds of jewellery items need to be removed before the scan and any metal implanted device needs to be informed such as
- Tattoos
- Piercings
- Pacemakers
- Joint replacements
- Implants
- Medical devices
- Necklace
- Hairpins
- Other metal of any kind
- Contrast- you might be injected with a contrast injection for obtaining clear images.
- Allergy- if you have an allergy of any kind you should inform your doctor beforehand.
- Claustrophobia- if you have a fear of closed and compact spaces, or if you cannot lie still for long. You should inform your doctor.
What Happens During Magnetic Resonance Angiography?
- You will be asked to lie on your back on the scan table
- Your scan table slides into the scanner
- You need to lie perfectly still during the scan as any movement can blur the scan images.
- The scanner produces loud noises during the scan for which you will be given earplugs or headphones
- Once the scan is done, the scan table comes out of the scanner.
The Risks of MRA
The risks of the MRA procedure are very low as it doesn't use any ionising radiation. Although the use of contrast may cause allergy-like
- Heating of the body
- Hearing damage
- Skin burns
- nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Breathing difficulty etc.
For Free Consultation From the Doctor
Get connected to our doctor directly
- Dr. Ravin Sharma MBBS, MD Radiology)
- Phone Number- 9212125996
- Available- 24*7*365
Why Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center For MRA?
Ganesh Diagnostic Centre has been an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
We have MRA which can offer report Images online as well.
We also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests like MRA.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations
NABH accreditation is proof of the highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
We are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades having created Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of diagnostic tests and scans done, as all services are available under one roof.
GDIC aims to provide the world’s advanced technology at the most reasonable and lowest price.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Patients can rely upon MRA reports as reports are 100% accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions Related MRA
What is the Use of Magnetic Resonance Angiograms?
An Magnetic resonance angiogram is a painless and non invasive tet that helps your doctor to visualise blood vessels and blood flow. The scan images are used to diagnose certain conditions such as blood clots, atherosclerosis. The test can be performed with a contrast medium or without it.
What is the Cost of a MRA Scan?
The cost of MRA- Magnetic resonance angiography procedure might cost between 10000-17000 INR depending upon various factors that may include
- Area of concern
- Contrast or non contrast study
- Your residence area
- One diagnostic centre to another and other factors.
Is MRI Angiography Safe?
Yes the MRA procedure is a safe technique that is a pinless, non-invasive and radiation free procedure. It uses strong magnets which can interfere with certain implanted metal devices such as cardiac pacemakers.
What Are the Disadvantages of Magnetic Resonance Angiograms?
The disadvantages of MRA are
- It cannot show calcified walla
- Stent placement cannot be evaluated
- Vessel walls cannot be visualised
- Poor spatial resolution
- Cannot be used if you have implanted metal devices
- Contraindicated in renal failure patients
Can MRA Detect Brain Bleed?
It can detect cerebral vascular lesions of the CNS but it is not capable enough to detect acute subarachnoid bleeding and detect calcifications.
How Long is a MRA Scan?
The MRA scan usually takes 1 to 2 hours depending upon the area of concern, and usage of contrast dye. If contrast is being used, you need to wait for a while (30 minutes approximately) to allow the contrast to get consumed by the body.
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