Why patient should do the examination? (value of test).
MR angiography (MRA) of the cerebral arteries is a non-invasive method used to examine the cerebral arteries and create 3D reconstruction of it, hence, it helps with identifying various vascular pathologies particularly vascular occlusion and vascular malformation.
Cerebral MRA is usually done without injection of contrast material, therefore it is safe for infants, pregnant women and renal patients
Who benefits from getting tested?
Patients with suspected arterial abnormalities such as:
Atherosclerotic disease of the cerebral arteries, which may limit blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke, dizziness or sense of imbalance.
Arterial aneurysms or dissection that may manifest by headache, acute stroke, fainting or convulsion attacks.
Arterial dissection.
Arterial compression by mass/tumor.
Highly vascular tumors of the head e.g. glomus tumors and angiofibroma
Are there any contraindications to the examination?
Patients with mechanically/magnetically activated devices as cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implants.
Patients with metallic foreign body in the eye.
Pregnant women in the first trimester (benefits versus risk to be assessed).
Ferromagnetic surgical clips or prosthesis.
What other tests should be done with this examination?
According to your complaint; your doctor may request full MRI examination of the brain ± MRA of the Neck arteries to get a complete assessment of your brain and supplying arteries.
Your physician may ask for MRA study with contrast
Examination preparations
No preparation needed for the non-contrast study.
Patient should be food fasting 4-6 hrs before the exam in case of contrast enhanced study only. Adequate hydration is needed and recent kidney function test should be available at the time of your examination.
In case of claustrophobic patients, the examination can be done in one of our open MRI machines or under anesthesia
A brief description of the examination procedure
Cerebral MRA is done in about 10 minutes while the patient is lying comfortably on MRI table
Where I can get tested?
The examination is done in all our branches on any of our closed or open MRI machines
Are there any aftercare or precautions to be done?
No after care or precautions needed following non contrast enhanced study.
In case of contrast enhanced study drinking plenty of water is advised to help to wash out the injected IV contrast material out of your body except if you are on fluid balance for renal or cardiac condition you may consult your physician and in case of lactating mothers it is advised to escape lactation for 24 hrs after the contrast injection