MRI Scan - Brain and Mr Angiography Test

Angiography is a medical test that helps physicians identify and treat medical conditions and diseases of the blood vessels. Angiography inspections produce pictures of main blood vessels in the body and can be done with one of three imaging technologies and, in some cases, contrast material is managed. Basically, MR angiography (MRA) uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to assess blood vessels and help recognize abnormalities or diagnose atherosclerotic (plaque) disease. This exam does not use ionizing radiation and may necessitate an injection of a contrast material called gadolinium, which is less probable to cause an allergic reaction than iodinated contrast factual.

For this test, you need to wear comfortable clothes. Wear a loose gown. Don’t wear any jewelry when you go for the test. If you have claustrophobia or anxiety tell your doctor beforehand and he will give you a mild sedative prior to the exam.

MRA is done to examine blood vessels in primary area of the body which includes:- brain, neck, heart, chest, abdomen (such as the kidneys and liver), pelvis, legs and feet, arms and hands

Physicians use the process to: identify abnormalities, such as aneurysms, in the aorta, both in the chest and abdomen or in other arteries. Find out atherosclerotic (plaque) disease in the carotid artery of the neck, which may limit blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke. Find a small aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation (abnormal communications between blood vessels) inside the brain or other parts of the body. Find out the atherosclerotic disease that has narrowed the arteries to the legs and help prepare for endovascular intervention or surgery. Check disease in the arteries to the kidneys or visualize blood flow to help prepare for a kidney transplant or stent placement. Guide interventional radiologists and surgeons making repairs to diseased blood vessels, MRA is also used as an auxiliary for CT angiography when the use of contrast media is contraindicated.

This test is performed by doing:- fluoroscopy (x-rays) to help the interventional radiologist place catheters into the blood vessels of the body computed tomography (CT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)