Kidney MRA is an MRI scan of the abdomen but with a different, more specific target. The scan is not focused on all the abdominal organs but creates images of the blood vessels to your kidneys.
Kidney MRI angiography plays a leading role in the diagnosis of kidney tumours, and in the detection of local spread and distant metastases.
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