• Abdomen
• MRCP
• Pelvis
• Sacroiliac Joint

• MRA Head/Brain
• MRV Head/Brain
• MRA Carotid
• MRA Chest
• MRA Abdomen
• MRA Pelvis
• MRA Lower Extremity

The MRI machine uses the body’s own energy, along with a magnetic field, and highly-sophisticated computers to see through bone to create precise pictures of soft tissue. Radio frequency waves are used to cause hydrogen protons in the body to resonate or “vibrate”. The energy of the “vibration” is collected with an “antennae” (called a coil) in almost the same way as your radio antennae receives signals from a local radio station. The computer then organizes these signals into an electronic image of the anatomy.

• Decreased upper extremity strength/ROM
• Unable to sit unsupported
• Unable to safely negotiate walker or w/c in surroundings
• Needs assist in bed mobility or transfers
• Decreased coordination

Our radiologist, Dr. Michael Paley, will interpret your imaging, and the results will be communicated to your referring physician, who will then discuss them with you.

MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) is the simple, non-invasive study of the veins and arteries of your body using MRI technology. MRA provides detailed imaging of the blood vessels with or without the use of contrast (IV dye). It utilizes MRI technology to detect, diagnose, and assist in the treatment of blood vessel diseases, heart disorders, and stroke. There is no known tissue damage from undergoing an MRA exam.

• MRA is used to detect disease in the aorta and blood vessels that supply the kidneys, lungs and legs.
• MRA is a useful way of locating problems with blood vessels and assist in determining the best course of treatment for problems.
• The carotid arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain are a common site for atherosclerosis (severe narrowing or blockage of the artery), reducing blood flow to the brain, and in some cases, causing stroke. Stenosis (narrowed areas) is shown using the MRA without causing any pain to the patient.
• When using MRA to check patients for diseased intracranial (in the head) arteries, only those with positive findings will need to undergo more invasive examinations and, possibly, surgery.
• Patients with a family history of arterial aneurysm (ballooning out of a portion of a vessel wall) can undergo MRA imaging to rule out a similar disorder that has not yet produced any signs or symptoms. In the event of an aneurysm finding, it may be surgically removed, possibly avoiding serious and/or fatal bleeding.

No special preparation is required unless IV contrast is ordered. If IV contrast is ordered and the patient has high blood pressure, diabetes, or history of kidney disease, lab results (GFR) must be available within the previous 4 – 6 weeks. If there are no lab results available, the patient must have them done 48-72 hours prior to their MRA appointment. The patient will be asked all of the screening questions again to make sure that no questions were missed. You will be asked to remove all metallic items including clothing with any metal and all jewelry. You will be given a secure, locked room to store all of your personal belongings. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and no jewelry. We ask that you arrive for your appointment 15-20 minutes early to fill out any paperwork and to go over any questions or concerns that you may have, as well as discuss procedure and protocol prior to your MRA examination. The technologist will need to know if you have any fillings, as this can distort images of the face and brain. Braces make it difficult to adjust the unit. You will be asked to remove all jewelry, hearing aids, hairpins, dental work, etc. Nothing metallic may enter the magnetic field.

Yes. MRA scans CANNOT be performed on patients with a cardiac pacemaker, brain aneurysm clips, metallic fragments in the eye(s), or metallic inner ear prosthetics. For those patients with metallic injuries (metal in the eyes, bullets, shrapnel, etc.), and could not have MRI imaging since the incident, the patient will be asked to have a X-ray done to clear them of any metallic fragments prior to their examination with Insight Imaging. MRI machines use a strong magnetic field which will move metal objects, made with iron or steel, within the body, and can affect the function of electronic devices. The patient will be asked screening questions prior to scheduling, as well as be asked to fill out the MRI/MRA Patient Screening Packet upon arrival to help assure the patient’s safety.