MRI provides a general picture of the body, while MRA gives a specific picture of blood vessels. MRA uses contrast materials to highlight blood vessels, while MRI can be used on any area of the body. Both scans offer high-resolution images with little risk to the patient and can be used for diagnostic and monitoring purposes. The experience is similar for both scans, with open machines offering more comfort for claustrophobic patients.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gives a general picture of the inside of the body, while magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) gives a specific picture of blood vessels. MRA scans use MRI technology, but provide a narrower focus than would be available with a regular MRI study. The key difference between MRI and MRA is the intended uses and applications, as MRA is used for a very specific purpose whereas MRI can be employed in many different contexts.
Both MRI and MRA studies offer high resolution images with little risk to the patient. In an MRI study, a patient enters a tube with strong magnets used to collect a series of noninvasive images from inside the body. This is done with a high degree of resolution and without radiation exposure. MRIs can be performed on any area of the body, and some may involve the use of contrast materials to highlight certain structures within the patient. Whole-body MRI scans offer images from head to toe, while other scans can focus on areas of interest such as a knee injury or suspected abdominal cancer.
To take a look at blood vessels with an MRA study, a healthcare professional injects a contrast material that will highlight the blood vessels. The equipment can be placed on a particular area, such as the leg, or it can run all over the body. Doctors may order an MRA for something like a suspected blood clot, to evaluate blood flow to a certain area of the body and check for blockages. It offers detailed images in a non-invasive way, unlike other angiography techniques.
A patient may need an MRI and MRI to gather information about a health condition, depending on the nature of the problem and the doctor’s recommendations. These scans can be used during the diagnostic phase to gather information about what is happening inside the patient. They can also be useful in follow-up to monitor your healing progress. Doctors can compare newer and older studies to determine how well a patient responded to treatment and to check for complications.
The experience from MRI and MRA studies is very similar. In both cases, the patient must lie down and keep as still as possible inside the machine. Open machines allow for more comfort in cases where patients feel claustrophobic, while older closed models can be stressful for some patients. Caregivers can offer headphones with music and other distractions for their patients during MRI and MRA scans, along with an emergency stop button to use in case of extreme discomfort.
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