image by: Hellerhoff, Mikael Häggström, and Anatomography

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Update on state of the art magnetic resonance angiography techniques

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a dynamic and growing field. In most cases, MRA has replaced conventional angiography and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in the evaluation of vascular disease. Numerous MRA techniques are available in clinical practice, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. One exciting facet of MRA is the ability to obtain time-resolved imaging allowing for evaluation of the hemodynamic effects of various vascular lesions. MRA also allows for high-resolution angiographic images with and without the use of intravenous contrast, thus allowing for improved patient safety, especially among those with chronic renal disease.

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Articles of Interest

Magnetic resonance angiography: current status and future directions

In summary, recent improvements in MRI hardware and software have lead to dramatic changes in the techniques used for MRA. The greater use of 3.0T scanners for MRA combined with improved parallel imaging methods have brought about a paradigm shift in CE-MRA toward a "less is more" approach.

MRA vs. MRI: What Are the Differences and Uses?

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, uses radio waves, a magnetic field, and a computer to create images of the inside of the body. MRA, or magnetic resonance angiography — sometimes called a magnetic resonance angiogram — is a magnetic resonance procedure that zeroes in on the blood vessels.

What is MRI Angiography?

The magnetic field used for MRA can possibly pull on any metal object or heat up any electronic device in the body, such as a cardiac pacemaker, vascular access port, metal plate, pins, screws or staples. You will be given a screening sheet to fill out regarding these issues. The radiologist or technologist should know about any such item and also whether you have ever had a bullet/shrapnel in your body; whether you have ever worked with metals; or if you have had a joint replacement.

Resources

StatPearls

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) encompasses several imaging techniques based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) developed for studying the arterial and venous systems. The benefits of an MRA in comparison to traditional angiography is that it is noninvasive, it lacks ionizing radiation exposure, it has the potential for a non-contrast examination and it has the ability of high-resolution volumetric images.