A vascular MRI, sometimes referred to as a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), looks at the blood vessels in your body, usually around your heart and chest. This can sound scary, but it is one of the best ways to check for any changes to blood vessels and arteries, helping doctors provide you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
But what should you expect during a vascular MRI? That’s what we are here to tell you. Our guide today will walk you through the reasons you might need a vascular MRI and what to expect to help remove any anxiety and help you get the medical scan and treatment you need.
How Do Vascular MRIs Work?
Vascular MRIs work like other MRI scans, where you will be placed in the MRI scanner and images are created of your body. Vascular magnetic resonance imaging is focused on your vessels rather than organs and other body parts in other MRIs, so contrast agents might be used to make your vessels more visible. The MRI machine will use radio waves and a magnetic field to scan your body, generating images on a computer screen where your doctor can see what is going on internally.
For the vascular MRI, you will lie flat in the scanner as it takes images and displays them on the computer. The scanner can be quite loud, but it is a painless procedure with few risks.
Why Might You Need A Vascular MRI?
There are several reasons why you might need a vascular MRI, but they are commonly given to check for any blockages in your blood vessels or aneurysms. Typically, vascular MRIs are used to help detect and diagnose the following:
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Blockages or narrowing in a blood vessel
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Aneurysms, an abnormal widening of an artery
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Aortic conditions including a narrowed aorta or aortic dissection, where you bleed in or along the wall of your aorta
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Strokes or the causes of them
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Heart disease
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Renal artery stenosis looking for narrow blood vessels in the kidneys, which can impact your blood pressure and cause renal failure
Before a vascular MRI is recommended, they will usually discuss with you why they think this is an important test you should have. Whether it is to spot signs of vascular disease or to help with the treatment of other heart conditions you have already been diagnosed with, a vascular MRI is an important scan that you should arrange if your doctor recommends one.
How To Prepare For A Vascular MRI?
There isn’t too much preparation before a vascular MRI, reducing the disruption to your family life. You can eat and drink as normal prior to the scan and can take any medication as normal.
Some vascular imaging scans require you to have a contrast dye that will make your vessels more visible. This is administered through an IV line when you arrive for your MRI. You should inform your doctor beforehand if you have had an allergic reaction to the contrast dye before. An alternative might be used, or you might need medication from your doctor to be taken prior to the scan.
You might also need medication beforehand if you suffer from claustrophobia and are anxious to be placed in the scanner. In these cases, you will need someone to drive you home from the MRI as the medication usually provided is a mild sedative.
When you arrive for your MRI, you will be given a hospital gown to change into and locker space for your clothing and personal items. We recommend only bringing with you what you need and leaving valuables at home where possible. You will be asked to remove any jewellery and metal on your person, as these can cause issues with the scanner. You should let your doctor know if you have any metal in your body so they can provide the right treatment.
Learn more about getting an MRI scan at Mermaid Beach Radiology clinic.
What To Expect From A Vascular MRI
During The Scan
When you are prepped and ready to go, you will be asked to lie on the exam table outside of the MRI scanner. Your doctor might ask you to move into a certain position, but you will need to lie still and remain in position unless told otherwise.
The table will slide into the MRI scanner, ready for the scan to take place. As the machine starts, it can be very loud, with lots of humming noise, and you might notice some clunking. This is normal and will happen for the entire scan. Headphones can be provided to reduce the noise, and sometimes, music can be played too.
During the scan, images will be taken of your vessels and you must remain still to avoid blurring the images. You can expect the scan to take an hour or so, depending on the number of blood vessels your doctor needs to examine. You will usually be told how long the scan is expected to last before starting, and the technician can speak to you through a microphone during the entire scan, providing reassurance if needed.
After The Scan
Most patients are free to leave immediately after their vascular MRI scan and will experience no complications or side effects. Many patients will return to work or school after it and you are free to drive as normal.
Your doctor will look at the images from the MRI to look for any irregularities or blockages. If we can’t find any, you will have a normal test result. However, if there is an abnormality in one or more of your blood vessels, you will have an abnormal result. It can suggest circulatory problems or atherosclerosis, the hardening of arteries.
You will be invited back for a follow-up appointment or given your results over the phone. If you have an abnormal result, you will likely have a follow-up appointment and tests to diagnose and create a treatment plan for you.
We try to turn around results for vascular MRIs quickly, but during busy periods, you might wait a week or two for the results. You will be given an estimated time frame after your scan and updates, so you aren’t left worrying in the dark.
What Are The Benefits Of A Vascular MRI?
A vascular MRI comes with plenty of benefits, making it an excellent choice for anyone who needs to have their blood vessels examined. The scan allows doctors to see any changes to your blood vessels, catching signs of blockages and hardening of arteries early. They are also an excellent way to spot vascular diseases or heart conditions that could cause long-term complications.
As vascular MRIs are safe and painless, they are a fantastic option for anyone looking to avoid radiation exposure or have a noninvasive test, especially to check on the blood vessels near their heart.
As there is little aftercare involved, it is an easy scan for us to perform without disrupting your day, or you need to book a full day off work. You can also return to your usual tasks without worrying about any side effects.
What Are The Risks Of A Vascular MRI?
There aren’t many risks associated with a vascular imaging scan, but it’s best to be aware of them before you make your appointment. When a dye is administered for your MRI, you might experience some discomfort when the IV is inserted. You should also let your doctor know if you have had any reactions to dyes before.
It is common to experience some anxiety when you are in the scanner, especially if you struggle in small and confined spaces. You can speak to your doctor before the scan to see if a mild sedative can be offered beforehand.
You might experience some bodily harm, especially if you have metal in your pockets or body, like a pacemaker. You will be asked detailed questions about any metal in your body before the scan, so make sure you answer as accurately as possible.
A severe reaction can also be caused by the contrast dye if you have a problem with your kidneys. As the dye makes your blood vessels more visible, it can affect tissue in your entire body, impacting those with a history of kidney disease. Disclose this to your doctor beforehand so they can determine if it is the right treatment for you.
Pregnant women are also considered at risk during an MRI scan. They will usually only be offered when the need for the scan outweighs the potential risks, so tell your doctor beforehand if you are pregnant.
Book Your Vascular MRI With Mermaid Beach Radiology
A vascular MRI does not need to be as scary as you first thought! By booking your scan with us, you will have access to a fast procedure where you are supported, even if you feel anxious about the scan. Our fast results will help you get the treatment you need and can help you catch serious issues early!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Contrast Used For All Vascular MRIs?
No, not everyone will need contrast dye used for their MRI. We will let you know beforehand if contrast dye is required and check if you have any allergies before it is administered.
Can I Have An MRI If I Have Metal In My Body?
You can have an MRI if you have metal in your body, like a pacemaker or metal plate. You will need to let us know before the scan so we can run through any risks and do our best to keep you as comfortable as possible. In cases where we don’t think it is safe for you to have an MRI, we will recommend alternative scans and procedures.
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