Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

Cardiac MRA now available

Magnetic Resonance Angiography is a non-invasive method of vascular imaging that offers real-time, interactive imaging.

Hunt Regional Medical Center's Diagnostic Imaging Center has the Gyroscan Intera, the latest MRA available. It is exceptionally fast, reducing total imaging time.

MRA uses a large magnet, radiowaves and computer to scan your body and produce detailed pictures of arteries and veins that cannot be obtained with conventional X-rays. The technician can see results on the monitor during the exam and make changes in the procedure as needed.

This capability can reduce the need for long scans or repeat examinations.

• Cardiac Imaging
• Lower Extremity Vascular Imaging
• Renal Magnetic Resonance Angiography

Preparing for the exam

On the day of your exam, do not wear makeup, jewelry, hair clips or other metallic items. You may eat and drink as usual and remain active right up until the time of your appointment.

Due to the strong magnetic field, no one with a cardiac pacemaker, ferromagnetic aneurysm clip neuro-stimulator, inner ear prosthesis, or any other metal or magnet sensitive objects can be allowed into the MRA scanner.

The exam

During the exam, you will lie back on a contoured table with your arms at your sides and your head in a headrest. When everything is ready, the table will automatically slide into the opening of the MRA. During the procedure you will hear intermittent thumping sounds produced by the magnetic field at work. This is normal.

Nothing will touch your body and you will not experience strange sensations or pain of any kind.

After the exam

After the exam you will feel perfectly normal and will be able to resume your everyday activities. If your physician was not present during the exam, your MRA results will be sent to your physician, who will schedule an appointment to discuss the results with you.

Cardiac Imaging

MRA cardiac technology allows imaging of the heart and arteriers without an invasive inpatient procedure. Pictured is a normal, right coronary artery that supplies blood to the heart, ventricles, right atrium and sinoatrial node.

Lower Extremity Vascular Imaging

Before:

Vascular ultrasound on lower extremities to determine blood flow utilizing segmental pressures and duplex imaging was the only way to visualize these structures.

 

The exam took 1½ to 2 hours and could be very difficult for the patient to tolerate.

 

Now:

Segmental pressures can be performed in a shorter period of time which, if abnormal, can be followed up with an MR Angiographic study of the lower extremity vascular system.

 

If the segmental pressures are normal, no further imaging is necessary.

 

Advantage:

• Using segmental pressures as a screening tool is more cost effective and time saving
• More comfortable for the patient with less table time
• Lower cost to the patient on essentially normal exams

Renal Magnetic Resonance Angiography

 

Before:

Only available with invasive angiography in larger facilities.

 

Now:

Images of vascular structures were formerly visible only through invasive angiography or exploratory surgery.

 

This noninvasive procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, which is faster, more cost effective, and is safer for the patient.

Diagnostic Imaging - MRA
2nd Floor Medical Pavilion
Hunt Regional Medical Center
903-408-5005