Chest MR Angiography (MRA) - Benefits and Risks
Benefits
- MRI is a noninvasive imaging technique that does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation.
- Detailed images of blood vessels and blood flow are obtained without having to insert a catheter into the blood vessels, so that there is no risk of damaging a major blood vessel.
- The MR angiography procedure itself may be shorter than a traditional catheter angiogram and requires no recovery period.
- MR angiography is less costly than catheter angiography.
- Even without using contrast material, MR angiography can provide high-quality images of many blood vessels, making it very useful for patients prone to allergic reactions or with reduced kidney function.
- The contrast material used in MRI exams is less likely to produce an allergic reaction than the iodine-based contrast materials used for conventional x-rays and CT examining.
Risks
- The MRA examination poses almost no risk to the average patient when appropriate safety guidelines are followed.
- Although the strong magnetic field is not harmful in itself, implanted medical devices that contain metal may malfunction or cause problems during an MRI exam.
- There is a very slight risk of an allergic reaction if contrast material is injected. Such reactions usually are mild and easily controlled by medication. If you experience allergic symptoms, a radiologist or other physician will be available for immediate assistance.
- Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is currently a recognized, but rare, complication of MRI believed to be caused by the injection of high doses of gadolinium contrast material in patients with very poor kidney function.
