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Chest MR Angiography (MRA) - About the Exam

Chest MR angiography (MRA) is a special Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) medical imaging exam that helps diagnose medical conditions related to blood vessels in the chest.

MR angiography may be performed without or with contrast material. If needed, the contrast material is usually administered through a small catheter placed in a vein in your arm.

What you can expect during a chest MRA:

  • An MRA is done on an outpatient basis.
  • During the procedure, you will be positioned on the moveable examination table.
  • Devices that contain coils capable of sending and receiving radio waves may be placed around or adjacent to the area of the body being studied.
  • You will be moved into the magnet of the MRI unit and the technologist will leave the room while the MRI examination is performed.
  • When the examination is completed, you may be asked to wait until the technologist or radiologist checks the images in case additional images are needed.
  • MRI exams generally include multiple runs (sequences), some of which may last several minutes. The entire chest MRA examination is usually completed in less than 60 minutes once imaging has started.

Learn how to prepare for a chest MRA.

Learn the benefits and risks of chest MRA.