Angiography is a medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical abnormalities and diseases of the blood vessels. Angiography examinations conducted by Trained MRI Technologists produce images of major blood vessels throughout the body and can be performed with various imaging technologies and in some cases require a contrast material to be administered.

 

Angiography is performed using:

• fluoroscopy (x-rays) utilizing catheters to directly inject an x-ray contrast agent into the blood vessel being examined

• Computed tomography (CT) with an x-ray contrast agent being injected intravenously.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with or without with an MRI contrast agent being injected intravenously.

• Ultrasound can also evaluate superficial blood vessels via a technique called Doppler imaging.

 

In magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency waves and computers produce detailed images of the major arteries within the body. MR angiography does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).

MRA may be performed with or without contrast material depending on the MRI technique used. If needed, the contrast material is usually administered through a small intravenous (IV) catheter placed in a vein in your arm.