MRIangiograafia

MRIangiograafia, also known as magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), is a medical imaging technique used to visualize blood vessels throughout the body. It is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that combines the principles of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast agents to produce detailed images of arteries and veins. This allows for the detection and assessment of various vascular conditions.

The procedure involves lying within a large, tube-shaped MRI scanner. Radio waves and a strong magnetic field are used to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. For MRA, a special contrast dye, typically containing gadolinium, is injected into a vein. This contrast agent travels through the bloodstream and highlights the blood vessels in the images. The MRI machine then captures these images, creating a three-dimensional map of the vascular system.

MRA is particularly useful for evaluating blood flow and identifying abnormalities such as aneurysms, blockages (stenosis), dissections, and malformations. It is commonly used to examine blood vessels in the brain, neck, chest, abdomen, and limbs. Its ability to provide detailed images without the use of ionizing radiation, unlike CT angiography, makes it a preferred choice in certain clinical situations. The interpretation of MRA scans is performed by radiologists who analyze the images to diagnose and plan treatment for vascular diseases.