What is an MRA?
An MRA is a type of MRI exam that focuses specifically on your blood vessels. While a regular MRI looks at structures like organs, muscles, and bones, an MRA provides detailed images of how blood is flowing through your body — helping doctors evaluate your arteries and veins more closely.
What is a major advantage of MRA over conventional angiogram?
In the past, doctors used a test called an "angiography" to check for issues with the blood vessels, which required inserting a long, thin tube (called a catheter) inside your body.
An MRA is much easier because it is:
- Painless: It is "noninvasive," which means the doctors don't have to cut your skin or use catheter tubes.
- Quick: An MRA usually takes around 30 minutes.
- Safe: MRA uses magnets instead of radiation to capture images and does not involve any invasive surgery.
What is an MRI Used For?
MRIs are used to diagnose, treat and monitor conditions that affect the soft tissue such as:
- Tumors
- Soft tissue injuries
- Joint injuries or diseases
- Spinal injuries or diseases
- Injuries or diseases of internal organs, including the brain, heart, and digestive organs
What is an MRA Used For?
MRAs can be used to monitor:
- Strokes
- Aortic coarctation
- Carotid artery disease
- Heart disease
- Other blood vessel issues
