Magnetic Resonance Angiogram |  | 
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Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create images of blood vessels throughout the body. It combines the use of strong magnets and radio waves to form an image that can be viewed on a video screen.
Why is MRA done? MRA may be used to...
- Examine arteries in the neck, lungs, abdomen, pelvis, kidneys or brain
- Look for an aneurysm (ballooning of the blood vessel wall) or dissection (tear in the vessel)
- Detect damage to arteries due to injuries
Before you have MRA The magnet used in MRA can cause metal objects in your body to move or heat up. Metal can also distort the image. Be sure to tell the radiologist or technologist if you:
- Have a metal plate or pins, an artificial joint, staples or screws, or other metal implant
- Have a bullet or other metal in your body
- Work with metal
- Have tattoos (some inks contain metal)
- Have braces
Also tell the technologist if
- You are, or think you may be, pregnant
- You tend to be claustrophobic (you fear small, enclosed spaces)
- You are allergic to contrast medium (X-ray dye) or any medications
During the procedure
- Remove hair clips, jewelry, dentures, and other metal items that could affect the image. You may also be asked to remove makeup, which can contain metal
- You may change into a hospital gown. An IV (intravenous) line may be set up
- You will lie down on a platform that slides into the MRI machine
- At times, the magnet may be within a few inches of your face. It is normal for the MRI machine to make loud knocking noises during some parts of the exam
- Several studies may be done. Contrast medium may be injected into a vein through an IV line for some of the studies
- The whole procedure may take 30 to 60 minutes
After the procedure
- If you were injected with contrast medium, drink plenty of fluids to help flush it from your system
- Your doctor will discuss the results with you when they are ready
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Note: This procedure is dangerous for people with pacemakers. Be sure your radiologist or technologist knows if you have a pacemaker. |
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