Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
MR angiography in Casablanca
MR angiography is an MRI dedicated to the blood vessels. It shows the arteries, and sometimes the veins, without X-rays and without puncturing an artery. Depending on the prescription, it covers the neck arteries, the aorta, the arteries of the kidneys and abdomen, or those of the legs. It helps to identify a narrowing (stenosis), a widening (aneurysm) or a malformation. The vessels inside the skull are covered by a separate exam, brain MR angiography.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the number of vascular regions studied.
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?
- Suspected narrowing of the carotid or vertebral arteries, in the neck.
- Calf pain when walking, suggesting peripheral artery disease of the legs.
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control, to check the kidney arteries.
- Monitoring of an aortic aneurysm, in the chest or abdomen.
- Assessment before a vascular procedure, or a check after a bypass or a stent.
- Vascular malformation or compression of a blood vessel, according to the doctor's opinion.
How the exam is done
The radiographer goes over the safety questionnaire with you, then places a small catheter in a vein in your arm. You lie on your back, with a coil placed over the area being examined. For the leg arteries, the table moves several times to follow the vessels from the pelvis down to the feet.
The contrast agent is delivered by an automatic injector at the exact moment the images are taken; you may feel a cold sensation in your arm. For the aorta and the kidney arteries, you hold your breath for a few seconds, several times. Stay perfectly still while the contrast agent passes through: this is the key moment of the exam. At the end, the catheter is removed and you return to your activities.
Preparation
- Remove jewelry, watch, belt and piercings before entering the room.
- Choose clothes without metal fasteners, or use the gown provided.
- Continue your blood pressure medication, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Tell us when you book if enclosed spaces make you anxious.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned.
Contrast injection
Most often, MR angiography involves a gadolinium injection into a vein in the arm, timed with the arrival of the contrast agent in the arteries. Some sequences are done without injection, depending on the region and the indication.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker, defibrillator or neurostimulator: the exam depends on the MRI compatibility of the device.
- Older vascular clip, cochlear implant, implanted pump or metal fragment, especially in the eye.
- Stent or vascular graft: most often compatible, after checking their card.
- 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 or a previous reaction to gadolinium.
- Extensive tattoos and permanent makeup: to be mentioned at reception.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from the referring doctor
- Previous Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography or MR angiography
- Surgical report if you have a bypass, a stent or a vascular graft
- Recent kidney function test (creatinine) if an injection is planned
- List of your medications
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of an MR angiography varies with the region examined (neck, aorta, kidneys or legs) and the gadolinium injection, which is usual for this exam.
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
How is it different from CT angiography?
Both exams show the blood vessels. CT angiography uses X-rays and an iodinated contrast agent, MR angiography a magnetic field and gadolinium. The choice depends on the region, your kidney function, any allergies and the clinical question. Your doctor and the radiologist choose the most suitable technique.
Does my stent or bypass interfere with the exam?
Most recent stents and vascular grafts are compatible with MRI, but this has to be checked: bring the card or the implantation report. A metal stent can create an artifact, meaning a less readable area, which the radiologist takes into account.
Should I stop my anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication?
No, in general. MR angiography does not involve any puncture of an artery: only a small catheter is placed in a vein in the arm. Continue your usual treatments, unless your doctor instructs otherwise, and tell the reception staff about them.
Are the arteries of my brain examined at the same time?
Not automatically. MR angiography covers the region stated on the prescription, for example the neck or the legs. For the arteries inside the skull, your doctor prescribes a brain MR angiography, which can sometimes be done in the same session.
MR angiography in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of an MR angiography varies with the region examined (neck, aorta, kidneys or legs) and the gadolinium injection, which is usual for this exam. 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.