Brain 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.
- MR angiography can provide high-quality images of many blood vessels
Risks
- The MRI examination poses almost no risk to the average patient when appropriate safety guidelines are followed.
- If sedation is used, there are risks of excessive sedation. The technologist or nurse monitors your vital signs to minimize this risk.
- 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.
