What is MR Angiography?

• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
  • MRA or magnetic resonance angiography refers to MRI that has been developed to show the blood vessels. Instead, CT uses magnetic fields and radio waves to build pictures of the arteries and veins in the body. MRA is painless and may be used to identify aneurysms, stenosis, or vascular anomalies. It is usually recommended that a contrast agent may be used to make the blood vessels stand out clearer during the procedure. The primary advantage of MRA is that, unlike traditional angiography which uses X-rays, MRA is a safer procedure especially for many patients. Despite the fact that MRA can be done non-contrast, more often a contrast agent in the form of gadolinium is utilized to enhance the visibility of vessels. This agent increases contrast between vessels and tissues in the bloodstream. MRA is used to: Evaluating vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis Describing aneurysms, including the location and size Identifying and describing vascular malformations, including arteriovenous malformations Planning surgical interventions or therapies Chronic disease monitoring.
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• Why MRA of the Lower Limbs?

  MRA of the lower limbs is done to determine blood flow in the limbs and any disease affecting the arteries or veins in the legs. Here are some key reasons for conducting this type of imaging:

  1. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
  • Detection of Stenosis: MRA can also assist to identify narrowing (stenosis) of arteries because of plaque build-up and this can be typical in those with PAD.
  • Assessment of Blood Flow: Blood flow to the legs can be checked to find out the extent of the condition or PAD and what treatment needs to be done on the patient.
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  2. Aneurysms
  • Identification of Aneurysms: MRA can depict outpouchings in the arteries, for example, popliteal or femoral aneurysms, which in case of rupture may be life-threatening.
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  3. Vascular Malformations
  • Diagnosis of Conditions: MRA could be used to diagnose congenital vascular malformations or arteriovenous malformations that can cause several symptoms.
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  4. Trauma Evaluation
  • Assessment of Injuries: When traumatised, for example in lower limbs, this modality can therefore assess vascular alterations or occlusion.
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  5. Pre-surgical Planning
  • Surgical Guidance: MRA is therefore very useful in revealing the topology of the blood vessels and identifying areas that require surgery like a bypass, or insertion of a stent.
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  6. Monitoring
  • Follow-Up Imaging: MRA is also helpful for patients who already have diagnosed vascular disorders: the test can show whether the treatments are effective or the disease progresses.
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  7. Non-invasive Alternative
  • Reduced Risk: MRA has a number of advantages when compared with traditional angiography: first, it is not invasive and does not involve catheterization which means that it is safer for the majority of patients; second, it does not use ionising radiation.
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• The MRA Procedure

• The MRA procedure is normally simple and non invasive. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what to expect during an MRA of the lower limbs:

• Preparation

  • Instructions: Sometimes you may be told that there are some situations when you cannot eat or drink for several hours, for instance when contrast will be used.
  • Clothing: Depending on the specific procedure you are having, you may need to wear a hospital gown for any portion of the procedure for testing; If you have any metal on you (rings, necklaces, watches, etc.) chances are they will have to come off for the MRI.
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  During the Procedure

  • Positioning: You will be asked to recline on a bed which can move into the MRI machine. Your legs would most often be placed to create the best possible view of arteries and veins of the lower limbs.
  • Staying Still: Minimal motion is required during the scan to obtain a good picture quality and high resolution images. The technician may even lend cushions or straps to ensure that the patient does not doze off during the operation.
  • MRI Scan: The MRI machine will perform a scan and produce a number of images. During the scan you may hear loud noises like thumping sounds, however this is perfectly normal.
  • Contrast Injection (if used): If need be and if a contrast agent is required, it will be administered through an intravenous (IV) access made in your arm. It may be necessary to apply something cold, or the contrast may be administered and you may get the feeling of some sort of heat.
  • Duration: From first to last, the total procedure takes approximately 30 to 60 min of time, the time varying with the type of procedure and whether contrast is applied.
  • Results: These pictures will be interpreted by a radiologist and your doctor will let you know the diagnosis and what to do next in case of any abnormalities.

• Benefits of MRA

• Despite that, MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) has several advantages especially in assessment of vascular disorders. Here are some key advantages:

1. 1. Non-Invasive
   • Minimal Discomfort: Compared to the normal angiography, the basal MRA does not need catheterization which makes it to be less invasive.
   2. No Ionizing Radiation
   • Safety: Like other non-invasive techniques, MRA does not employ the use of X-rays which keep off any dangers associated with radiation.
   3. Detailed Imaging
   • High Resolution: MRA offers clear and more differentiated pictures of blood vessels and therefore stenosis, aneurysms and malformations can be accurately evaluated.
   4. Comprehensive Assessment
   • Multi-Planar Imaging: MRA is resistant to motion artefacts and can provide information in different planes as cross-sectional, sagittal, and coronal images.
   5. Functional Assessment
   • Blood Flow Dynamics: Some of the MRA techniques can quantify flow and velocity and thus is useful in determining scenarios such as arterial occlusions or stenosis.
   6. Contrast Options
   • Versatile Imaging: MRA allows the examination with or without the use of certain substances, depending on the case and the patient.
   7. Preoperative Planning
   • Surgical Guidance: This is important for procedures to be undertaken in the region, more especially when it comes to vascular surgery since it offers the surgeon anatomical information that he or she can depend on.
   8. Monitoring of Conditions
   • Follow-Up Imaging: For Known vascular conditions, MRA can be employed to track change with time, whether that is efficacy of treatment or evolution of disease.
   9. Wide Application
   • Versatile Use: MRA application is practicable in wide clinical conditions including peripheral vascular illness, aneurysm, congenital vascular abnormalities, and traumatic evaluations.
   10. Patient Comfort
   • Open MRI Options: Currently there are a lot of centres that have opened MRI that helps patients who have claustrophobia.
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Common Conditions Evaluated

1. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
   

   Stenosis and Occlusion: MRA is useful in detecting the diseases that affect blood supply in legs causing pain and inability to walk.

2. Aneurysms

   Detection and Assessment: It can show a blockage or a widening known as an aneurysm in a large artery, such as the aorta or the popliteal artery, and determine the size and if it is likely to burst.

3. Vascular Malformations
   

   Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): MRA is useful in determining conditions that prevail at birth whereby arteries and veins are interconnected in a wrong manner.

4. Thrombosis
   

   Venous Thrombosis: MRA has the capability of detecting clots in veins & particularly in the pelvic & lower limb, specially deep vein thrombosis.

5. Atherosclerosis

   Plaque Build-Up: MRA also shows plaque within the arteries and extents of atherosclerosis consequently.

6. Traumatic Injuries
   

   Assessment of Vascular Injury: MRA is employed in imaging of vascular injury that occurs after lower limb trauma.

7. Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome
   

   Evaluation of Compression: This condition the popliteal artery is compressed by surrounding muscles or tendons and therefore blood flow is restricted, and MRA can assist in diagnosing such a condition.

8. Constriction of both renal arteries
   

   Kidney Blood Flow: MRA can determine the condition of renal arteries where there may be a narrowing that impacts the operations and manageability of the kidneys and blood pressure.

9. Vascular Complications in Diabetic Patients
   Evaluation of Complications: MRA can evaluate vascular abnormality and complication associated with hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.
10. Follow-Up of Known Conditions
    

    Monitoring Existing Vascular Issues: Again, MRA is applied in the follow-up of vascular ailments to determine the effectiveness of treatments offered as well as the progression of disease.

• Test Type:  MR Angiography Both Lower Limbs
• Preparation:
• Wear a loose-fitting cloth
• Fasting not required
• Carry Your ID Proof
• Prescription is mandatory for  patients with a doctor’s sign, stamp, with DMC/HMC number; as per PC-PNDT Act
• Reports Time: With in 4-6 hours
• Test Price: Rs.8000

What is MR Angiography (MRA)?

MRA is an invasive diagnostic technique which employs MRI to produce images of blood vessels particularly the arteries in the lower extremities of the human body. It aids to diagnose obstructions in arteries, aneurysms, and malformations of blood vessels.

What is the reason for MRA of the lower limbs?

MRA of the lower limbs is often done to diagnose peripheral artery disease, ischemia of the limbs, or to check changes in blood circulation before and after operations.

Is MRA safe?

For the most part, MRA is noninvasive, and does not use ionizing radiation like conventional X-rays or facts that use CT scans. The patient must notify their doctor regarding allergies especially to substances used in contrast as some MRA studies use gadolinium.

How can I book an appointment for MR Angiography (MRA) of the Lower Limbs through Medifyhome?

To schedule an appointment for MR Angiography (MRA) of the Lower Limbs, simply contact Medifyhome or call our customer care at +919100907036 or +919100907622 for more details and queries.

What are the possible effects?

While MRA is safe, some potential risks include: Side effects related to the contrast media if used. The individuals can experience claustrophobia as the MRI machine can be enclosed.

How will I receive my results?

This treatment as stated above will take 5-7 days to complete whereby you will receive your results through a phone call or text message.