Magnetic angiography (magnetic resonance of blood vessels)

MR angiography is a diagnostic procedure that enables the detection and demonstration of various conditions and diseases of blood vessels. MR angiography with the help of a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency waves and computer data processing creates a detailed image of blood vessels of different parts of the body. Capture of certain blood vessels may require contrast agent administration to make the image clearer. Procedure is painless and lasts about an hour.
INDICATIONS
• MR angiography is used to examine the blood vessels of particular regions of the body: brain, neck, chest, heart, abdomen (eg, blood vessels of the liver and kidney), pelvic cavity, legs and feet, arms and hands. MR angiography is used to:
• Tests for abnormalities of blood vessels, such as enlargements of arterial blood vessels (aneurysms), tests for the existence of communication between arterial and venous blood vessels (arterio-venous malformation).
• Detection of the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in arterial blood vessels that can narrow the lumen of blood vessels and thus lead to inadequate blood supply to that part of the body.
• Monitoring of congenital vascular abnormalities, especially in children; detection of dissection of certain blood vessels; MR angiography is an aid to interventional radiologists in planning a particular procedure; MR angiography is a procedure that allows the examination of blood vessels that feed a tumor before planning surgery or a specific procedure.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
• The magnetic resonance machine looks like a big tube with the ends open. Recording is done by lying on a table that moves toward one opening of the machine. Your healthcare provider will observe you while recording from the next room. During recording, you will be able to speak through the microphone.
• This machine creates a strong magnetic field around you and directs radio waves to your body. The procedure itself is painless. You will not feel the existence of a magnetic field or radio waves around you.
• During magnetic resonance imaging, the machine itself produces repeated sounds and noise. If you find these sounds uncomfortable, we will try to provide you with music to help you relax. If you are disturbed by the tight space inside the machine and make you nervous, you should talk to your doctor before the procedure. If necessary, in consultation with your doctor, you may take a tranquilizer.
• Sometimes it is necessary to use a contrast agent (gadolinium), which is usually injected intravenously. The contrast medium makes it easier to see certain details. The contrast agent used during magnetic resonance imaging rarely causes allergic reactions compared to the contrast agent used during scanning (CT) imaging.
• During magnetic resonance imaging, you will need to stay still most of the time to keep the images clear. During the recording, the health care provider will ask you to perform certain activities, such as moving your thumb with the other fingers or answering simple questions. These activities accelerate the activation of certain centers in the brain.
PREPARATION
• Before magnetic resonance imaging, you can eat normally and take the medicines you are taking as part of regular therapy. You may need to remove jewelry, glasses, a watch, hearing aids, or a wig.
AFTER RECORDING
• If you have not been sedated during recording, you can immediately return to your normal daily activities.