MRA - Magnetic Resonance Angiogram

A MRA is a diagnostic exam in which strong magnetic fields, radio waves and a computer are used to make images or pictures of the blood vessels inside your body. The images are not produced by x-rays, but are obtained and recorded by a MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner. The blood vessels in your head (cerebral arteries), neck (carotid arteries), abdomen (renal arteries) or pelvis and legs (iliac and femoral arteries) are the most common areas to be studied. Your physician designates the area to be scanned.

A MRA is used to detect abnormalities within the blood vessels such as narrowings, aneurysms or blockages. The exam will also detect congenital malformations within the vessel. The magnetic fields used in MRA are not known to be harmful, and MRA is painless. However, because of the way MRA works, metal in or on your body can affect the pictures. Tell your doctor and MRI technologist if you have a cardiac pacemaker or artificial heart valve, metal plate, pin or other metal implant, insulin pump or other infusion pump, aneurysm clips, stents, IUD, or inner ear implant.

The MRI staff will interview you briefly before the scan about other implanted metal devices. They will be able to determine if you can have a MRA scan. You should also let your doctor or MRI staff know if you are pregnant or nursing. MRA is not usually advised for pregnant women.

Before the exam, you may eat normally unless you are having a MRA of the renal arteries or of the abdomen. If you are scheduled for a MRA of the renal arteries or abdomen, please refrain from eating and drinking for four hours prior to your exam.

If you are diabetic and take insulin, please remind your physician. Depending on the time you are scheduled to have your study, he or she may want to adjust the dose of insulin you take the morning of the exam.

For all MRAs, take other medications as usual. It is very important that you are able to lie still during the scan. Movement will blur the pictures, producing a poor exam. Dress in comfortable clothing without metal, such as hooks and zippers. A hospital gown will be available to change into if needed.

When you arrive for your MRA you will be asked briefly about your health history. You will then be asked to leave all metallic objects (jewelry, keys, credit cards, watches, hairpins, hearing aides, coins, etc.) in a secure place outside the scanning room. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. 

You will be positioned as comfortably as possible on the exam table, lying on your back. The table will slide into the large, tube-shaped magnet (the scanner) so that the area to be studied is in the center of the scanner with openings on each end.

During the exam, the MRI scanner makes a loud knocking or thumping sound that changes in frequency or pattern. Ear plugs or headphones with your choice of music are available for your comfort. It is very important that you lie still and follow the instructions of the technologist. For most MRAs, a contrast agent is used to make the blood vessels in your body appear bright on the pictures. If this is needed for your exam, you will feel a brief needle stick as the contrast agent is injected into your vein.

The length of your exam will depend on your medical condition and what blood vessels are being scanned. Typically, 15-45 minutes is sufficient, but allow 1-2 hours for the total process.

A radiologist will review the MRA films and will send a report to your doctor.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your doctor or contact Imaging Services at (320) 255-5619.

Your appointment is on:

Date: ________________ Time: ________________ at the following location:

____ St. Cloud Hospital - please check in at Door A

____ CentraCare Health Plaza - please check in at Woodlands Entrance