MR angiography
Several recent technical advances have placed MR angiography at the forefront of noninvasive imaging techniques for evaluating vascular disease. Contrast-enhanced MRA is a non-invasive investigation where Gadolinium contrast is injected through a peripherally placed intravenous cannula and images are acquired using MRI, thus avoiding ionizing radiation.
At our institution, MRA is used as a first-line tool for evaluating the aorta, carotid, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, mesenteric and lower extremity arteries. Numerous studies have demonstrated its accuracy for detecting significant disease in all of these vascular territories. MRA can provide vital information for making management decisions and planning surgical or endovascular treatments. In addition, MRA is safer and avoids the potentially adverse consequences of conventional angiography.
Time-resolved MRA is a novel technique where the blood vessels are imaged at rapid frame rates. As a result, it is possible to visualize blood vessels fill and empty over time. This is particularly advantageous for high-flow abnormalities such as shunts and dissections. This technique is also being implemented in the periphery and, for the first time, MRA can simulate digital subtraction angiography.
