Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

About

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is a non-invasive method of vascular imaging that offers real-time, interactive imaging. MRA can be performed as an outpatient procedure, making it an attractive alternative to traditional X-ray angiography, which is more invasive and requires a hospital stay. Hunt Regional Medical Center's diagnostic imaging center has the Gyroscan Intera, the latest MRA available, and the Oasis Open MRI. Both are exceptionally fast, reducing total imaging time. MRA capabilities at Hunt Regional can lessen the need for long scans or repeat examinations. Continue below to learn about different types of MRA and how to prepare for your exam.

What to Expect During an MRA Exam

During the exam, you will lie on a contoured table with your arms at your sides and your head on 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.

After the exam, you will feel perfectly normal and will be able to resume your everyday activities. If your physician was absent during the exam, your MRA results will be sent to your physician, who will schedule an appointment to discuss them with you.

Types of MRA Exams

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

Segmental pressures can be performed in a shorter time, and if abnormal, they can be followed up with an MRA 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
  • It is more comfortable for the patient with less table time
  • Lower cost to the patient on essentially normal exams

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 safer for the patient.

Preparing for an MRA Exam

On the day of your MRA 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, the MRA scanner cannot be used by anyone with a cardiac pacemaker, ferromagnetic aneurysm clip neurostimulator, inner ear prosthesis, or any other metal or magnet-sensitive object.

Locations

  • Hunt Regional Center Greenville
    Hunt Regional Medical Center Greenville

    4215 Joe Ramsey Blvd, Greenville, TX 75401 | 903.408.5000

  • Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center at Commerce

    2800 TX-24 Suite A, Commerce, TX 75428 | 903.886.3161

  • Hunt Regional Emergency Medical Center at Quinlan

    738 E. Quinlan Pkwy., Quinlan, TX 75474 | 903.408.4800

  • Hunt Regional Open Imaging – Greenville

    3003 Joe Ramsey Blvd, Greenville, TX 75401 | 903.455.3330

  • Hunt Regional Open Imaging – Rockwall

    909 Rockwall Parkway, Rockwall, TX 75032 | 469.698.0045

Related Services

Additional Resources