What is a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA)?

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is similar to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses a powerful magnetic field to take highly detailed pictures of soft tissues such as the brain and heart, but uses an injected contrast dye to show blood flowing in vessels. In addition, it can assess whether brain blood flow is normal.

When magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to diagnose problems in the blood vessels, the test is often called a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA). MRA is a type of imaging; that is, it creates images of the blood vessels so a physician can identify problems.

An MRA uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce two- or three-dimensional images of blood vessels. These images provide doctors a more precise assessment of the severity and location of any blockages in the arteries. It may be combined as part of a cardiac MRI that will obtain information as to how your heart is functioning.

A magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) is a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of blood vessels inside the body. In many cases MRA can provide information that can't be obtained from an X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan.

MRA can find problems with the blood vessels that may be causing reduced blood flow. With MRA, both the blood flow and the condition of the blood vessel walls can be seen. The test is often used to look at the blood vessels that go to the brain, kidneys and legs. Information from an MRA can be saved and stored on a computer for further study. Photographs of selected views can also be made.

During MRA, the area of the body being studied is placed inside an MRI machine. Contrast material is often used during MRA to make blood vessels show up more clearly.