MR Angiogram Lower Extremity with And without Contrast
About Test
MR Angiogram lower extremity is a non-invasive imaging test that allows a thorough assessment of the arteries and veins of the legs. MR angiogram uses a magnetic field, the energy of radio waves, and a computer to create images of blood vessels and blood flow in the body. Contrast is a special dye that is used to enhance image quality. A gadolinium-based contrast may or may not be used for this procedure. Through this technique, a doctor can visualize the diseases/conditions affecting the blood vessels of the lower limbs causing your symptoms.
Why and when do you need this test?
Your doctor may advise this test if he suspects a blood vessel disease of the legs because of your signs and symptoms. For example, an MRA can identify a blocked vessel by an atherosclerotic plaque or a ruptured blood vessel. It can also show structural abnormalities of blood vessels like congenital malformations, aneurysms (dilatation), stenosis (narrowing), dissection (splitting), or the presence of emboli, etc.
You may be advised to undergo this test for any of the following reasons;
- Throbbing pain in one leg
- Swelling, redness, and warmth in the leg
- Visibly swollen and tender veins of the legs
- Pain in one or both legs that exacerbates on walking and relieves on rest
- Trauma or injury to the legs (affecting blood vessels)
- Suspected blockages to blood flow
- To check for the presence of atherosclerotic plaques
- Suspected inflammation of the blood vessels
- To look for Blood clots (DVT)
- to check the valves of the veins (in cases of leg swelling)
- to determine Venous insufficiency
- To check the condition of the vessels to be used for bypass grafts
- To guide the insertion of a catheter or taking a biopsy
- Tumors of the blood vessels
Do you need to prepare for the test?
- For the MR angiogram with contrast, you will be requested to stop eating 3-4 hours before the test.
- You can drink clear fluids and take regular medications normally unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Since the test uses a magnetic field, you may need to tell the doctor if you have any metal implants, pacemakers, or prostheses in your body and bring detailed information about them.
- You would be asked not to wear any jewelry or watches or not bring keys, credit cards, or ATM cards.
- you would be asked to wear an article of easy clothing to feel comfortable, or you would be given a hospital gown for the proper exposure of the area.
What can you expect?
- For an MR angiogram with contrast, the nurse will prick a vein in your hand or arm to establish a cannula to inject the contrast material.
- No contrast material is given in MRA without contrast.
- You will be asked to lie down on the table that will slide into the MRA machine that looks like a large tunnel.
- You would be requested to lie down still and avoid movements to prevent the images from getting blurry.
- If you feel uneasy in closed spaces, you may tell your doctor, and he may give you relaxing medicine.
- Inside the machine, you will hear tapping or snapping noises.
- The test will last for about 15-20 minutes.
- You will be able to return to your daily activities normally after the test.
Are there any risks to this test?
It is a safe and painless test that uses gadolinium-based contrast material that is less allergenic than iodine material used in CT scans. However, this contrast can pose a threat to a diseased kidney. So discuss with your doctor in case you are a kidney patient.
What do the test results mean?
The radiologist will send a signed report to your doctor, who will be able to tell you if there is any abnormality seen in the report. The abnormal results may include the following;
- Peripheral artery disease
- Vascular Aneurysms (dilatation or widening of blood vessels)
- Atherosclerosis (formation of fatty plaques inside blood vessels).
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT),
- Superficial thrombophlebitis,
- Acute and chronic arterial disease
- Aortoiliac disease
- Problem with the valves of the veins
- Arteriosclerosis,
- Thromboangiitis obliterans, (inflamed and swollen blood vessel disease)
- Arterio-venous malformation
- Vascular tumors in your legs
Related Tests
- leg angiogram
- Doppler ultrasound of lower extremity
- CT angiogram of lower extremity
