Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
A Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is a special kind of MRI that visualizes blood flow in arterial and venous vessels throughout the body, from arteries serving the brain to those bringing blood to the lungs, kidneys, and arms and legs. MRA utilizes MRI technology to detect, diagnose and aid the treatment of heart disorders, stroke, and blood vessel diseases.
How should I prepare for a MRI or MRA?
The magnetic field used for MRI and MRA will pull on any iron-containing object in the body, such as a heart pacemaker, intrauterine device, vascular access port, metal plate, pins, screws or staples. You will be given a questionnaire to answer regarding these issues. The radiologist or technologist should know about any such item and also whether you have ever had a bullet in your body, whether you ever worked with metals, or if you have had a joint replacement. In addition, you will need to remove all of your jewelry for the exam.
The traditional MRI unit is a large tube surrounded by a circular magnet, in which the patient lies without moving for several seconds at a time. The patient is placed on a wheeled bed that is moved into the magnet. Some patients will feel uncomfortably confined when enclosed in a MRI unit. If necessary, you will be given a sedative to help put you at ease, though probably less than one in every 20 patients will need this.
Position Emission Tomography (PET Scan)
Position Emission Tomography (PET) is one of the newest and most advanced diagnostic procedures used to evaluate the function or the body's organ systems. PET can effectively pinpoint the source of many of the most common cancers and can detect certain diseases of the heart and brain. It is currently the most effective way to check for cancer recurrences. PET can detect particular diseases long before other tests, allowing physicians to identify the most effective surgical and medical treatments for the disease.
