MRIangio

MRIangio, or MR angiography (MRA), refers to magnetic resonance imaging techniques used to visualize blood vessels. It includes non-contrast methods such as time-of-flight (TOF) and phase-contrast sequences, as well as contrast-enhanced approaches that use gadolinium-based agents. Advanced variants, like time-resolved MRA and 4D flow imaging, provide dynamic information about blood movement in vessels.

MRIangio is employed to evaluate the cerebrovascular system (intracranial and carotid arteries), intracranial aneurysms and vascular malformations, and peripheral vasculature including renal, mesenteric, and limb arteries. It is used for assessing stenosis, occlusions, dissections, aneurysms, and preoperative planning, as well as for follow-up after vascular interventions.

Advantages of MRIangio include the lack of ionizing radiation, excellent soft tissue contrast, and the ability to produce high-resolution, three-dimensional vascular images. Contrast-enhanced techniques offer rapid vascular visualization and, with time-resolved methods, dynamic information about arterial inflow and venous drainage.

Limitations involve sensitivity to flow-related artifacts, motion, and certain implants or devices that may be contraindicated. Gadolinium-based contrast agents carry risks for patients with severe kidney impairment, and there is ongoing consideration of safety in specific populations. In some cases, non-contrast techniques are preferred to minimize risk.

Post-processing commonly uses maximum intensity projection (MIP), multiplanar reformats, and sometimes volume rendering to create intuitive 3D representations of the vasculature. MRIangio serves as a noninvasive alternative or complement to catheter-based angiography in many diagnostic workflows.