Cerebral MRA (Brain MRA) is an MRI scan of the head but with a different, more specific target. Cerebral MRA is a non-invasive technique for studying the main vessels of the brain for pathology. It is also used to demonstrate depletion of the peripheral vascular patterns of the anterior (ACA; Anterior Cerebral Artery), middle (MCA; Middle Cerebral Artery), and posterior cerebral artery (PCA; Posterior Cerebral Artery), and).
Common indicators for a Brain MRA
- Aneurysm (bulging blood vessel)
- Stroke (blood clot or a bleed)
- Vasospasm (blood vessels contracting suddenly)
- Arteriosclerosis (thickening of the blood vessel walls due to building up of plaque)
- Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
- Narrowing and occlusion of the internal carotid artery, cerebral artery and/or basilar artery (full or partial blockage of a blood vessel)
During a Brain MRA the contrast (dye) is used to enhance the arteries and allow for sharp, high-quality images to be generated of the blood vessels in and around the brain.
The dye is a clear, liquid solution injected through a soft cannula and removed through the kidneys.
Contrast (dye)
Some symptoms and illnesses can be hard to detect even on a MRI scan and require injection of dye (contrast) before or during the scan.
It is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
- Tumours
- Inflammation
- Blood vessels
- Distinguishing between scar tissue and normal organ tissue
The injection is considered very safe for most and you will complete a safety questionnaire detailing your medical history before. The contrast agent (dye) is Gadolinium based and most of it is removed by your kidneys within the next day.
Read more about Gadolinium contrast dye