Test Overview
A magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) is a type of
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
,
, or
.
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. See
a picture of an
.
During MRA, the area of the body
being studied is placed inside an MRI machine.
is often used during MRA to make
blood vessels show up more clearly.