Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

Patient Prep

There are no preparations for this study. You may eat, drink, and take any medication that you would normally do in a day.

Test Procedure

The technologist will place what is called a coil over the area of concern. The coil will vary in shape and size, please refer to the pictures provided for your specific examination. The technologist will explain everything as they go along in setting you up for the procedure.

For all studies except the intracranial vessels, we will be using contrast (dye) during your study. The technologist will inform you prior to starting the test if contrast will be used for your specific study. The contrast used in MRI is very different than other parts of Radiology. The MRI contrast does not contain Iodine, which is what a lot of patients are allergic to with CT or IVP contrast. However, if you do feel anything during the injection, please inform the technologist immediately. Even though it is safer does not mean you may not be allergic to this type of contrast. The technologist will start an Intravenous Line (IV) before the study begins. During the examination the technologist will be taking images while the contrast goes into your body. This is the method of choice to look at the flow within your vessels. The determination for the use of the contrast is by the radiologist, your physician might not have informed you because of this reason.

Once you are ready for the examination the study will take approximately 20-30 minutes. This is from beginning to end, unless we have to repeat images. If the study seems longer this may be due to your physician also ordering a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Often times an MRA is in conjunction with a MRI.

You will be asked to hold perfectly still, no motion during the examination. MRI is very sensitive to motion, and with the high quality images we will be performing we want to guarantee the best examination as possible for you.

At times you will be required to hold your breath for approximately 20-30 seconds. This is to eliminate any respiratory motion, and the technologist will instruct you. If the technologist does not give you any breathing instructions, just breathe normally.

You will be covered with a blanket if you desire one, and be given the opportunity to listen to music.

For most examinations you will go in feet first, and at times your head may be out of the machine. Keep in mind, the area of concern has to be within the center of the magnet. The technologist will be placing you where you need to be to perform the study, unfortunately at times this means your head is in the machine. If you are claustrophobic and/or very nervous, contact your physician to see if they would like to give you some medication to make the test more pleasant. A family member is able to join you in the MRI suite, just as long as they too pass our medical screening.

We strongly recommend keeping your eyes closed, and try to relax. The MRI will make various noises that are considered normal; it is the technologist acquiring the images needed for your study. The technologist has no control over noise; therefore we will provide you with earplugs to minimize the noise.

Test Results

The radiologist will review your images later, and your physician will be providing you with the results. This may take up to three days. However, if it is considered an emergency, there are ways for physicians to get results more quickly.