Magnetic resonance angiography of the intracranial vessels
Brain MR angiography in Casablanca
Brain MR angiography examines the blood vessels inside the skull: the arteries that supply the brain, which join at its base in a network called the circle of Willis, and sometimes the large veins that drain the blood (venous sinuses). It is done without X-rays and, for the arteries, often without an injection. It helps to look for or monitor an aneurysm (a small pouch on the wall of an artery), a narrowing or a vascular malformation.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Brain MR angiography alone usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, longer if it is combined with a brain MRI.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- Search for an intracranial aneurysm, for example when there is a family history.
- Monitoring of a known aneurysm, whether treated or not.
- Assessment of a stroke or a transient ischemic attack.
- Suspected cerebral venous thrombosis (a clot in a vein of the brain).
- Investigation or follow-up of an arteriovenous malformation.
- Unusual headaches, when the doctor wants to check the blood vessels.
How the exam is done
After the safety questionnaire, you lie on your back with your head placed in a coil shaped like an open helmet. Foam pads keep your head perfectly straight, because the slightest movement blurs the image of the small arteries. Earplugs or headphones protect you from the noise, which is loud and repetitive during the sequences.
The arteries are most often visualized without an injection: the signal from the flowing blood is enough to make them appear. If the veins need to be studied, or depending on the clinical question, a contrast agent is injected through a vein in the arm at the end of the exam. You can talk to the team between sequences and you keep a call button in your hand. Once the images have been checked, you leave without any particular monitoring.
Preparation
- Remove hair clips, hairpins, hearing aids and removable dentures.
- Avoid hairspray, styling gel and makeup, which may contain metallic particles.
- If an aneurysm has been treated, bring the document stating the type of clip or coil.
- Mention any fear of enclosed spaces when you book.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned.
Contrast injection
The brain arteries are usually visible without a contrast agent. A gadolinium injection into a vein in the arm may be added to study the cerebral veins or to clarify an abnormality.
Contraindications and precautions
- Older aneurysm clip: some models are incompatible, so the radiologist needs to know the exact model.
- Intracranial coils or stents: generally compatible, to be reported with their documentation.
- Pacemaker, defibrillator, neurostimulator or cochlear implant: depending on the compatibility of the device.
- Metal fragment in the eye, for example after grinding or welding work.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after a gadolinium injection.
- Severe kidney failure, if an injection is being considered.
Documents to bring
- Prescription
- Previous MRI, MR angiography, CT angiography or arteriography
- Surgical or embolization report if an aneurysm has been treated
- List of medications, especially anticoagulants
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of a brain MR angiography depends on the vessels to be studied (arteries only, or arteries and veins) and on a possible gadolinium injection.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there not always an injection?
For the arteries, MRI uses a sequence that makes moving blood visible. It provides a precise map of the brain arteries without a contrast agent. The injection is reserved for situations where it provides useful information, particularly the study of the veins.
How is it different from a brain MRI?
A brain MRI shows the brain itself: its tissue, its cavities and any lesions. Brain MR angiography focuses on the blood vessels. The two are often prescribed together, because they complement each other and are performed in the same session.
Are the neck arteries included?
Not always. Brain MR angiography covers the vessels inside the skull. The carotid and vertebral arteries in the neck are examined with an MR angiography of the neck vessels or with a Doppler ultrasound. If the prescription mentions both regions, the protocol is adapted.
My aneurysm has been treated: is the exam still useful?
Yes, this is a common indication. Coils and some stents can, however, hide a small area around them; the radiologist then adapts the sequences and may add an injection. Bring your previous exams: comparison is essential for follow-up.
Brain MR angiography in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of a brain MR angiography depends on the vessels to be studied (arteries only, or arteries and veins) and on a possible gadolinium injection. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.