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What Is Magnetic Resonance Angiography?

Angiography is a noninvasive test in the medical field that helps doctors diagnose and treat a wide array of medical conditions. The procedure of angiography uses imaging techniques, radiography and a contrast material that serves as a dye agent to provide pictures of blood vessels throughout any portion of the body. Magnetic resonance angiography uses a magnetic field and computer imaging to produce detailed images that normal angiographies are unable to provide.

  1. Applications

    • Various parts of the body benefit from using a magnetic resonance angiography, including the brain, kidneys, pelvis, lungs and heart. When using the method of magnetic resonance angiography on these bodily parts, physicians are able to monitor and view a more lucid picture of the body not possible with any other imaging technology.

    Equipment

    • When performing a magnetic resonance angiography, physicians often use the common magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit. The traditional MRI unit is cylindrical-shaped and resembles a tubelike circular magnet. Many of these units are a short-bore system in which the magnet does not entirely surround you.

    Visualization

    • Sometimes, magnetic resonance angiography prepares thick slices of entire blood vessels of interest. This is a three-dimensional analysis. But a computer monitor is a two-dimensional medium. Therefore, some rendering techniques must be developed to display this 3-D dataset on a computer screen. Among the most commonly used rendering techniques are maximum intensity projection (MIP), direct-volume rendering and quick-time VR.

    Common Practices

    • Physicians use magnetic resonance angiograms to detect a myriad of diseases and disorders to diagnose correctly and thoroughly. A common disorder detected while using this procedure are aneurysms, which involve a weakened blood vessel wall. This procedure is also used to detect atherosclerotic disease, which narrows the blood vessels in the leg and contributes to overall blood-flow issues. Mainly, magnetic resonance angiographies are used to detect common issues with blood flow throughout major portions of the brain.

    Preparation

    • A few steps are necessary to ensure a successful procedure. First, check with your doctor to be sure of what specific procedure requires. Leave any metals, jewelry or other attractive materials at home, as the magnet will destroy your items or harm you during use. Notify the radiologist prior to the procedure of any health-related issues or surgeries you may have had that may prevent contrast dye from being used on any bodily organ.

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