A angioressonância is a non-invasive medical exam that combines magnetic resonance imaging with angiography techniques to visualize and evaluate blood vessels in different regions of the body.
This advanced procedure has been widely used in modern medicine due to its ability to provide detailed information about vascular circulation, allowing accurate diagnosis of various medical conditions.
If your doctor ordered a magnetic resonance angiography and you have no idea what it is for, stay calm. In this article, we will explain it to you in all details what is magnetic resonance angiography, how it is performed, what its clinical applications are and the benefits it offers to patients. Keep reading to understand better!
What is MR angiography?
First of all, it is essential that we understand what this exam is. Briefly, the angioressonância is an imaging test that uses magnetic resonance imaging to visualize the body’s blood vessels.
It is a non-invasive and safe approach to assess vascular circulation in different areas, such as the brain, neck, chest, abdomen and extremities.
How is MR angiography performed?
1 – Patient preparation
First, the patient is prepared. Therefore, before the examination, the patient may be instructed not to eat or drink for a few hours, especially if the abdominal area is to be examined.
Additionally, clothing containing metal should not be worn as this may interfere with MRI images.
2 – Acquisition of images
At the time of the exam, the patient is positioned on a sliding table, which is inserted into the MRI machine.
During the procedure, the equipment generates several detailed images of the blood vessels, allowing the doctor to visualize and analyze blood circulation.
3 – Use of contrast
In some cases, an intravenous contrast agent is administered. It serves to improve the visualization of blood vessels and detect abnormalities that may appear more accurately.
4 – Duration of the Exam
MR angiography usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the areas to be examined.
What is MRI angiography for?
Magnetic resonance angiography has several important clinical applications, such as:
- Assessment of Aneurysms and Vascular Malformations: Allows for early detection and monitoring of these potentially serious conditions.
- Vascular Disease Investigation: Helps diagnose arterial and venous diseases, such as stenoses and occlusions, allowing appropriate treatment.
- Pre and Post-Surgical Assessment: It is used to plan vascular surgeries and evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure after the intervention.
- Diagnosis of Cerebral Vascular Accidents (CVA): Helps identify the cause of the stroke and evaluate the cerebral arteries.
What does magnetic resonance angiography detect?
MR angiography detects a variety of vascular conditions in different parts of the body, including:
- Aneurysms: Abnormal dilations in the walls of blood vessels that can rupture and cause bleeding.
- Vascular Malformations: Congenital anomalies in blood vessels that can lead to circulatory problems.
- Strictures: Abnormal narrowings in blood vessels, which can reduce blood flow.
- Thrombosis: Formation of blood clots that can block blood flow.
- Occlusions: Complete or partial blockages of blood vessels.
MR angiography is particularly useful in detecting cerebral vascular problems, such as aneurysms and stenoses, allowing early diagnosis and adequate treatment of these conditions.
What are the benefits of MRI?
- Non-invasive exam: Does not require invasive procedures, reducing the risk of complications and discomfort for the patient.
- Allows a detailed view: Provides detailed images of blood vessels, allowing for more accurate diagnosis.
- Safe: Uses magnetic resonance imaging, eliminating exposure to ionizing radiation.
- Allows early diagnosis: Detects abnormalities in the early stages, enabling early treatments and better results.
Common questions
What is the difference between a resonance and an angioresonance?
The difference between a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a magnetic resonance angiography lies in the purpose and focus of the examination. While magnetic resonance imaging is used to visualize soft tissues, such as organs and muscles, magnetic resonance angiography is specific for evaluating the body’s blood vessels. Magnetic resonance angiography uses the angiography technique to highlight vessels, allowing detailed visualization of blood circulation and the detection of vascular problems, such as aneurysms or obstructions.
What is a cerebral magnetic resonance angiography?
Cerebral magnetic resonance angiography is a non-invasive imaging test that uses magnetic resonance imaging with angiography techniques to visualize the blood vessels in the brain. This technique allows detailed evaluation of cerebral arteries and veins, enabling the detection of abnormalities, such as aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations and stenoses. It is widely used for the diagnosis of cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) and other cerebral vascular conditions, allowing adequate and precise treatment.
What is the difference between tomography and tomography angiography?
The difference between computed tomography (CT) and tomography angiography (CT angiography) lies in the purpose and focus of the examination. Computed tomography is used to visualize anatomical structures, such as organs and bones, providing detailed cross-sectional images. Tomography angiography is specific for evaluating the body’s blood vessels, highlighting them with the administration of intravenous contrast and allowing the detection of vascular abnormalities, such as aneurysms and obstructions.
Source: blogdasaude.com.br
