MRA scans involve the use of MRI to evaluate blood flow to aid in the detection of arterial narrowing (stenosis), obstruction or aneurysm ("ballooning" vessel that is high risk for rupture). This scan is most often used to evaluate the arteries of the neck and brain, thoracic and abdominal aorta, renal arteries, and the legs ("runoff").
The most commonly performed MRA involves the use of intravenous (IV) injected contrast called Gadolinium. Patients with impaired kidney function may not be able to have injection of this contrast.
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