MRI AORTIC ANGIOGRAPHY

MRI Aortic Angiography is a specialized type of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tailored to visualize the aorta. Its primary purpose is to create detailed images of this major artery and its significant branches, enabling physicians at Cadabams Diagnostics to accurately assess its structure, identify abnormalities, and evaluate blood flow. This helps in the diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of diverse aortic conditions.

The procedure is generally considered non-invasive. However, if a contrast agent (dye) is used to enhance the images, it involves a small injection, making it minimally invasive. An MRI Aortic Angiography offers distinct advantages over a standard MRI by specifically focusing on blood vessels. It also differs from other angiographic methods:

• CT Angiography (CTA): CTA uses X-rays and contrast dye. While fast and effective, it involves ionizing radiation.
• Catheter Angiography: This is a more invasive procedure where a catheter is inserted directly into an artery. It provides excellent detail but carries more risks than an MRA.

MRI Aortic Angiography provides a safe and effective way to examine the aorta without the use of ionizing radiation.

What is an MRI Aortic Angiography?

An MRI Aortic Angiography employs a powerful combination of strong magnetic fields, radio waves, and sophisticated computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the aorta. This technology, specifically Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), is optimized to visualize blood vessels and the dynamics of blood flow within the aorta.

Often, a gadolinium-based contrast dye is administered intravenously during the scan. This contrast material enhances the visibility and detail of the aorta and its branches, making it easier for the radiologists at Cadabams Diagnostics to detect subtle abnormalities. The dye temporarily changes the magnetic properties of the blood, making the vessels appear brighter on the MRI images.

A significant benefit of MRI Aortic Angiography is that it does not use X-ray radiation, making it a preferred option for patients who may require multiple follow-up scans or are sensitive to radiation.

Types of MRI Aortic Angiography

There are several techniques used in MRI Aortic Angiography, allowing radiologists at Cadabams Diagnostics to tailor the scan to specific clinical questions:

Contrast-Enhanced MRA (CE-MRA):

This is the most common technique for imaging the aorta. It involves the intravenous injection of a gadolinium-based contrast agent. The contrast highlights the blood vessels, providing excellent anatomical detail of the aortic lumen and wall.

Non-Contrast MRA techniques:

These methods are used when gadolinium contrast is contraindicated (e.g., severe kidney disease, allergy).

• Time-of-Flight (TOF) MRA: Relies on the motion of blood to create contrast between flowing blood and stationary tissues.
• Phase-Contrast (PC-MRA): Uses differences in the phase of the MR signal from moving blood versus stationary tissue to create images and can also quantify blood flow.

Focus on specific aortic segments:

The scan can be tailored to examine specific parts of the aorta:

• Thoracic MRA: Focuses on the chest portion of the aorta, including the aortic root, ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending thoracic aorta.
• Abdominal MRA: Focuses on the abdominal portion of the aorta and its branches like the renal and mesenteric arteries.
• Full Aortogram (Thoracoabdominal MRA): Images the entire aorta from its origin at the heart down to its bifurcation into the iliac arteries.

Dynamic (Time-Resolved) MRA:

This technique captures images over time, akin to a movie, which can be very useful for assessing blood flow patterns, particularly in complex situations like dissections or before/after interventions.

Radiologists at Cadabams Diagnostics meticulously analyze various parameters on your MRI Aortic Angiography images. Understanding what an MRI Aortic Angiogram shows is key to appreciating its diagnostic power. Key parameters include:

Aortic Dimensions:

• Precise diameter measurements are taken at multiple standardized points along the aorta (e.g., aortic root, sinotubular junction, mid-ascending aorta, aortic arch, proximal descending thoracic aorta, suprarenal abdominal aorta, infrarenal abdominal aorta).
• These measurements help detect aneurysms (focal dilations) or general aortic ectasia (diffuse widening).

Vessel Wall Integrity:

• The presence of any abnormalities within the aortic wall itself is carefully assessed. This includes:
  • Dissection flaps: A tear in the inner lining creating a false channel.
  • Intramural hematoma (IMH): Bleeding within the aortic wall without an intimal tear.
  • Penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers (PAU): An ulceration of an atherosclerotic plaque that erodes into the aortic wall.
  • Signs of inflammation (aortitis), such as wall thickening, edema (swelling), or enhancement after contrast administration.

Lumen Characteristics:

• The inside of the aorta (lumen) is evaluated for:
  • Patency: Whether the vessel is open and blood can flow freely.
  • Stenosis: Presence, location, and severity of any narrowing.
  • Occlusions: Complete blockages of the aorta or its branches.
  • Thrombus: Presence and extent of blood clots within the lumen or aneurysm sac.

Congenital Anomalies:

• Identification of any structural abnormalities of the aorta present from birth, such as:
  • Coarctation of the aorta: A significant narrowing, typically in the thoracic aorta.
  • Aberrant vessel origins (e.g., an unusual origin of a subclavian artery).
  • Patent ductus arteriosus (in relevant age groups).
  • Vascular rings.

Branch Vessel Involvement:

• Assessment of the major arteries branching off the aorta, including:
  • Head and neck vessels (carotid, subclavian, vertebral arteries).
  • Renal arteries (supplying the kidneys).
  • Mesenteric arteries (supplying the intestines – celiac, superior mesenteric, inferior mesenteric arteries).
  • Iliac arteries (supplying the pelvis and legs).
  • The scan determines if these branches are affected by the primary aortic pathology (e.g., dissection extending into a renal artery, stenosis at the origin of a branch).

Post-Surgical/Interventional Assessment:

• If the patient has had prior aortic surgery or an endovascular stent graft, the MRA is used to evaluate:
  • Patency of surgical grafts.
  • Presence of endoleaks (persistent blood flow into the aneurysm sac around a stent graft).
  • Integrity and position of stent grafts.

Blood Flow Dynamics:

• Qualitative assessment of blood flow patterns.
• Quantitative measurements of flow velocity and volume can be obtained using phase-contrast techniques if specifically indicated.

Knowing what an MRI Aortic Angiogram shows helps patients and physicians make informed decisions about treatment and management strategies.

An MRI Aortic Angiography is performed for several critical reasons, providing invaluable information for patient care:

• Definitive diagnosis of suspected aortic conditions: It is highly accurate for confirming diseases like aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection when suspected based on symptoms or other initial tests.
• Detailed anatomical mapping: Provides a comprehensive "roadmap" of the aorta and its branches, which is crucial for planning complex surgical procedures (e.g., open aneurysm repair) or endovascular interventions (e.g., stent graft placement).
• Monitoring progression of known aortic disease: For patients with diagnosed aortic aneurysms, MRA can be used for serial surveillance to monitor for aneurysm growth over time, helping to determine the optimal timing for intervention.
• Non-invasive follow-up: After aortic surgery or stenting, MRI Aortic Angiography offers a radiation-free method to check the repair, assess graft patency, and detect any complications like endoleaks.
• Evaluation of congenital heart or aortic abnormalities: It is an excellent tool for visualizing congenital structural defects affecting the aorta, such as coarctation or vascular rings, and their impact on blood flow.
• Assessing for aortitis or other inflammatory conditions: MRA can detect signs of inflammation in the aortic wall, such as thickening and enhancement, aiding in the diagnosis and management of conditions like Takayasu's arteritis or giant cell arteritis.
• Clarifying ambiguous findings: When results from other imaging tests like ultrasound, X-ray, or even CT are inconclusive regarding an aortic issue, MRI Aortic Angiography can provide the necessary detail for a clear diagnosis.
• Investigating sources of embolism: In some cases, it can help identify if the aorta is a source of clots (emboli) traveling to other parts of the body.

When and Who Needs to Take an MRI Aortic Angiography?

Your doctor may recommend an MRI Aortic Angiography if they suspect or need to evaluate various conditions related to your aorta.

Common indications for this test include:

• Suspicion or confirmed diagnosis of an aortic aneurysm: This is a bulge or weakening in the wall of the aorta, which can occur in the chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm) or abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm).
• Assessment for aortic dissection: This is a serious condition where there's a tear in the inner layer of the aortic wall, allowing blood to flow between the layers.
• Evaluation of aortic stenosis (narrowing) or coarctation: Coarctation is a specific type of congenital narrowing, usually near where the ductus arteriosus inserts.
• Investigation of suspected blockages (occlusions), congenital abnormalities (present from birth), or inflammation of the aorta (aortitis).

Symptoms that might prompt your doctor to order an MRI Aortic Angiography include:

• Unexplained severe or persistent chest, abdominal, or back pain, especially if sudden in onset.
• Symptoms suggesting compromised blood flow to your limbs or organs that could be linked to an aortic problem (e.g., differing blood pressures in arms, pain in legs when walking).
• Certain findings on other imaging tests (like X-rays, ultrasound, or even a standard MRI) that indicate a need for more detailed visualization of the aorta.

Patient groups who often require an MRI Aortic Angiography include:

• Individuals with a family history of aortic diseases, such as aneurysms or dissections.
• Patients diagnosed with genetic syndromes that predispose them to aortic conditions, including Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vascular type), and Turner syndrome.
• Patients undergoing pre-operative planning before aortic surgery (e.g., aneurysm repair, valve replacement involving the aorta).
• Patients needing post-operative or post-intervention follow-up to assess the success of a surgical repair, stent graft, or other treatments.

Benefits of Taking the Test

Choosing to have an MRI Aortic Angiography at Cadabams Diagnostics offers several significant advantages for assessing aortic health. Many of these highlight the specific benefits of MRI Angiography for Aorta:

• High Diagnostic Accuracy: MRA provides excellent spatial resolution and contrast, allowing for detailed visualization of the aortic structure, wall, lumen, and any associated pathology. This leads to highly accurate diagnoses.
• Non-Invasive Nature: Unlike traditional catheter angiography, MRI Aortic Angiography does not require arterial puncture and catheterization, thereby avoiding the associated risks such as bleeding, infection, or damage to the blood vessel at the insertion site.
• No Ionizing Radiation: This is a key advantage over CT angiography and conventional angiography. The absence of X-rays makes MRI Aortic Angiography particularly safe for patients who may require repeated imaging for surveillance (e.g., monitoring aneurysm size) and for younger patients.
• Excellent Soft Tissue Contrast: MRI is superior in its ability to differentiate between various soft tissues. This allows for outstanding visualization of the aortic vessel wall itself, surrounding tissues, and subtle changes like inflammation or intramural hematoma, which might be less clear on other modalities.
• Comprehensive Evaluation: Beyond just anatomy, certain MRA techniques (like phase-contrast MRA) can provide functional information by assessing and quantifying blood flow dynamics, which can be crucial in conditions like aortic stenosis or coarctation.
• Aids in Precise Treatment Planning: The detailed images obtained allow surgeons and interventional radiologists to precisely plan procedures, select appropriate grafts or devices, and anticipate potential challenges, leading to better outcomes.
• Monitors Treatment Effectiveness: After surgical or endovascular treatment, MRI Aortic Angiography is valuable for monitoring the success of the intervention and detecting any long-term complications.
• Reduced Risk of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN) in some cases: While gadolinium contrast is used, for patients with borderline kidney function, the risk of gadolinium-associated NSF (in those with severe renal impairment) is different from iodine-contrast-induced nephropathy with CT. Non-contrast MRA techniques are also an option.

These benefits of MRI Angiography for Aorta make it an invaluable tool in the modern management of aortic diseases.

Conditions Diagnosed

MRI Aortic Angiography is instrumental in diagnosing a wide range of illnesses and conditions affecting the aorta. These include:

• Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA): Abnormal, localized widening of the aorta in the chest.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Abnormal, localized widening of the aorta in the abdomen.
• Aortic Dissection: A serious condition involving a tear in the inner wall of the aorta, often categorized as Type A (involving the ascending aorta) or Type B (not involving the ascending aorta).
• Coarctation of the Aorta: A congenital narrowing of the aorta, typically in the segment just after the arch.
• Aortitis: Inflammation of the aortic wall, which can be caused by conditions like Takayasu's arteritis, Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), or infections.
• Penetrating Atherosclerotic Ulcer (PAU): An ulceration of an atherosclerotic plaque that burrows into the aortic wall.
• Intramural Hematoma (IMH): Bleeding within the wall of the aorta without an obvious intimal tear.
• Atherosclerotic stenotic disease of the aorta: Significant narrowing of the aorta due to plaque buildup, though less common than in smaller arteries.
• Congenital aortic abnormalities: Various structural abnormalities present from birth, such as vascular rings (where vessels encircle the trachea/esophagus), aberrant subclavian artery origin, or bicuspid aortic valve associated aortopathy.
• Traumatic aortic injury (in stable patients): In patients who are hemodynamically stable, MRA can be used to assess for injury to the aorta following trauma.
• Complications related to aortic grafts or stents: Such as endoleaks (persistent flow into an aneurysm sac after stent grafting), graft infection, or stenosis.
• Aortic pseudoaneurysms: Contained ruptures of the aorta.
• Syndromic aortopathies: Aortic disease associated with genetic syndromes like Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Proper preparation is important for a successful MRI Aortic Angiography. The team at Cadabams Diagnostics will provide you with specific instructions, but general guidelines include:

Specific Instructions for Preparing for MRA scan of aorta:

• Diet:
  • Generally, you can eat, drink, and take your prescribed medications as usual before your MRI Aortic Angiography.
  • However, if gadolinium contrast dye is planned, some imaging centers, including potentially Cadabams Diagnostics, may ask you to fast for a few hours (typically 2-4 hours) prior to the scan. This is a precaution to reduce the unlikely chance of nausea. Please confirm specific dietary instructions with Cadabams Diagnostics when your appointment is scheduled.
• Medications:
  • Continue taking all your prescribed medications unless specifically advised otherwise by your doctor or the staff at Cadabams Diagnostics. It's helpful to bring a list of your current medications with you.
• Clothing:
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not have any metal parts (e.g., zippers, snaps, buttons, underwire bras). Sweatpants and a t-shirt are good options.
  • You may be asked to change into a hospital gown provided by Cadabams Diagnostics to ensure no metallic items interfere with the scan.
• Valuables:
  • Leave all jewelry (necklaces, earrings, watches, rings), credit cards (magnetic strips can be erased), and other valuables at home or give them to a companion for safekeeping. Lockers may be available.
• Arrival Time:
  • Plan to arrive at Cadabams Diagnostics approximately [e.g., 15-30 minutes] before your scheduled appointment time. This allows ample time for registration, completing any necessary paperwork, and pre-scan checks.
• Inform Staff – Crucial Steps:
  • It is vital that you inform the scheduling staff, and reiterate to the MRI technologist at Cadabams Diagnostics, if you:
    • Have any allergies, especially a known allergy to MRI contrast dye (gadolinium) or iodine.
    • Have any issues with your kidney function, kidney disease, or are on dialysis.
    • Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
    • Are breastfeeding.
    • Have any metallic implants or devices anywhere in your body (see "Eligibility" and "Caution" sections for more details). This includes pacemakers, aneurysm clips, stents, artificial joints, screws, plates, shrapnel, etc.
    • Suffer from claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces).

Following these instructions for preparing for MRA scan of aorta will help ensure your safety and the quality of your imaging results at Cadabams Diagnostics.

Pre-requisites

Before your MRI Aortic Angiography at Cadabams Diagnostics, certain pre-requisites are typically needed:

• Doctor's Referral: A referral or request from your physician is usually required to schedule the scan. This ensures the test is medically appropriate for your condition.
• Kidney Function Test: If gadolinium contrast dye is anticipated for your MRI Aortic Angiography, a recent blood test to assess your kidney function (e.g., serum creatinine level, estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate - eGFR) will likely be required. This is crucial to ensure it's safe to administer the contrast, especially to avoid the rare risk of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) in patients with significantly impaired kidney function. Cadabams Diagnostics will guide you on this.
• MRI Safety Screening Questionnaire: You will be asked to complete a detailed MRI safety screening form prior to your scan. This form asks about any metallic implants, previous surgeries, allergies, and other conditions that could pose a risk in the MRI environment. Please answer these questions accurately and to the best of your ability.
• Medication List: It is helpful to bring a current list of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
• Previous Imaging (if applicable): If you have had previous imaging studies relevant to your aortic condition (e.g., prior CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs) done elsewhere, it is very helpful to bring these reports and images (often on a CD) with you, or arrange for them to be sent to Cadabams Diagnostics. This allows our radiologists to compare findings and track any changes.

Best Time to Take the MRI Aortic Angiography

MRI Aortic Angiography is typically performed on an outpatient basis by appointment. The scheduling will be coordinated by the staff at Cadabams Diagnostics once your doctor has referred you for the test.

While an MRI Aortic Angiography provides exceptional detail, it is not usually the first-line emergency test for acute, hemodynamically unstable aortic emergencies (like a suspected ruptured aneurysm or rapidly progressing dissection where the patient is critically ill). In such urgent scenarios, CT angiography is often preferred due to its faster acquisition speed and wider availability in emergency settings.

However, for stable patients requiring detailed assessment, pre-operative planning, or long-term follow-up of aortic conditions, MRI Aortic Angiography is an excellent choice. Cadabams Diagnostics will work with you and your referring physician to schedule your scan at a time that is medically appropriate and convenient.

Eligibility

Most individuals can safely undergo an MRI Aortic Angiography. However, due to the strong magnetic fields used in MRI, there are specific contraindications and situations that require careful assessment by the team at Cadabams Diagnostics:

Who Can Have the Test:

Generally, individuals who do not have any of the contraindications listed below can have an MRI Aortic Angiography.

Key Contraindications (Who Generally CANNOT Have the Test or Need Very Careful Expert Assessment):

If you have any of the following, you may not be able to have an MRI, or special precautions/alternative imaging may be necessary. It is CRITICAL to inform Cadabams Diagnostics staff if any of these apply to you:

• Certain non-MRI compatible implanted electronic devices:

  • Pacemakers (unless specifically certified as MRI-conditional and protocols are in place)
  • Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs) (unless MRI-conditional)
  • Cochlear (inner ear) implants
  • Certain neurostimulators (for pain, bladder control, etc.)
  • Some older intracranial (brain) aneurysm clips made of ferromagnetic material.

• Metallic foreign bodies in critical locations:

  • Metal fragments or shrapnel in or near the eyes (risk of movement and eye injury).
  • Certain other metallic foreign bodies lodged within the body.

• Insulin pumps or glucose monitors: Many are not MRI safe and must be removed.

Relative Contraindications (Discuss with your doctor and Cadabams Diagnostics radiologist):

These conditions don't automatically rule out an MRI but require careful consideration and may necessitate modifications to the procedure or special arrangements:

• Severe Claustrophobia: If you have intense fear of enclosed spaces, discuss this when scheduling. Cadabams Diagnostics may offer solutions such as listening to music, a blindfold, or you might discuss the possibility of conscious sedation with your referring doctor (which needs to be arranged separately).
• Pregnancy:
  • MRI is generally avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy unless absolutely essential and the benefits clearly outweigh potential risks.
  • If an MRI is necessary during pregnancy, it is typically performed without gadolinium contrast dye unless the diagnostic information is critical and cannot be obtained otherwise. Always inform us if you are or might be pregnant.
• Severe Kidney Disease (Renal Impairment): If gadolinium contrast is being considered and you have severe kidney disease (e.g., an estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate - eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m²) or are on dialysis, there is a very small risk of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). Cadabams Diagnostics will carefully evaluate your kidney function. Non-contrast MRA techniques may be used, or alternative imaging considered.
• Known Allergy to Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents: If you've had a previous allergic reaction to MRI contrast, inform us. Pre-medication with antihistamines or corticosteroids might be an option in some cases, or non-contrast techniques will be used.
• Inability to lie still: Conditions that prevent you from lying flat or still for the duration of the scan (30-60 minutes) may make it difficult to obtain good quality images.
• Large body habitus or weight exceeding table limits: There are weight and girth limits for MRI scanners. Please check with Cadabams Diagnostics if you have concerns.

The safety of our patients at Cadabams Diagnostics is paramount. Our team will thoroughly review your medical history and screening questionnaire to ensure an MRI Aortic Angiography is safe for you.

Procedure for Taking an MRI Aortic Angiography

Understanding the MRI Aortic Angiography procedure steps can help you feel more comfortable and prepared on the day of your scan at Cadabams Diagnostics. Here’s a general outline of what to expect:

1. Check-in & Preparation:

   • Upon arrival at Cadabams Diagnostics, you'll check in at the reception.
   • You'll be asked to confirm your personal details and the procedure you are having.
   • You will review and sign the MRI safety questionnaire if you haven't completed it fully beforehand. This is a critical step to ensure your safety.
   • The technologist will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have.

2. Changing:

   • You will likely be asked to change into a hospital gown. This is to ensure there are no metallic items on your clothing (zippers, snaps, underwires) that could interfere with the MRI machine or pose a safety risk.
   • You will need to remove all metallic objects, including jewelry, watches, hearing aids, dentures (if they contain metal and are removable), hairpins, and body piercings. Lockers are usually provided for your belongings.

3. IV Line Insertion (if contrast is used):

   • If your MRI Aortic Angiography requires a gadolinium-based contrast dye to enhance the images, a qualified technologist or nurse will insert a small intravenous (IV) line into a vein, usually in your arm or hand.
   • This feels like a small pinch, similar to a blood draw. The IV line will be used to administer the contrast agent at the appropriate time during the scan.

4. Positioning:

   • You will be assisted onto a padded, movable scanner table and asked to lie down, usually on your back.
   • The technologist will position you correctly for the scan.
   • A special device called a "coil" might be placed over or around your chest and/or abdomen. Coils are designed to improve image quality by helping to send and receive the radio wave signals for the specific body part being imaged.

5. Entering the Scanner:

   • Once you are comfortably positioned, the scanner table will slowly slide into the center of the MRI machine. The MRI machine is typically shaped like a large doughnut or tunnel.
   • The part of your body being scanned (your torso for an aortic angiography) will be in the center of the magnet.

6. During the Scan:

   • It is crucial to remain very still during each scanning sequence. Movement can cause the images to be blurry and may necessitate repeating parts of the scan.
   • The MRI machine will make loud knocking, thumping, buzzing, or whirring noises as it acquires images. This is normal. You will be provided with earplugs or headphones to reduce the noise and protect your hearing. Often, you can listen to music through the headphones.
   • You will be alone in the scan room, but the MRI technologist will be in an adjacent control room monitoring the procedure through a large window.

7. Communication:

   • The technologist can see you and hear you at all times.
   • You will usually be given a squeeze-ball or an intercom button so you can communicate with the technologist if you feel uncomfortable or need assistance at any point during the scan.

8. Contrast Injection (if applicable):

   • If contrast dye is part of your MRI Aortic Angiography, it will be injected through the IV line during one or more of the scanning sequences.
   • As the contrast enters your vein, you might feel a cool sensation spreading up your arm, a brief metallic taste in your mouth, or a feeling of warmth throughout your body. These sensations are normal and usually pass quickly. Inform the technologist if you feel any unusual or uncomfortable symptoms like itching, hives, or difficulty breathing (which are rare).

9. Duration:

   • The entire MRI Aortic Angiography procedure typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the specific sequences needed and whether contrast is used. Some complex studies may take longer. The technologist can give you a more precise estimate for your particular scan.

Once the scan is complete, the table will slide out of the scanner, and the technologist will assist you off the table. If an IV line was inserted, it will be removed. You can then change back into your clothes. Unless you received sedation, you can usually resume your normal activities immediately.

Caution Before Taking the Test

Your safety is the top priority at Cadabams Diagnostics. It is absolutely critical to inform the MRI technologist and/or radiologist at Cadabams Diagnostics before your MRI Aortic Angiography scan if you have any of the following conditions or implanted devices:

• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant. MRI during pregnancy is approached with caution, especially in the first trimester and when contrast agents are considered.
• Electronic Implants:
  • Pacemaker (cardiac)
  • Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)
  • Cochlear (inner ear) implant
  • Neurostimulator (for brain, spine, bladder, pain, etc.)
  • Implanted drug infusion pumps (e.g., insulin pump, pain medication pump – many must be removed)
• Metallic Implants or Objects:
  • Artificial heart valves (some older models may be an issue)
  • Older types of brain aneurysm clips (especially ferromagnetic ones)
  • Stents (most modern coronary and peripheral stents are MRI safe after a period, but always declare them)
  • Artificial joints (hip, knee replacements – generally MRI safe, but good to declare)
  • Surgical clips, pins, screws, plates, or wires
  • Shrapnel, bullets, or other metallic fragments (especially near the eyes or vital organs)
  • Metallic tattoos or permanent makeup (some pigments contain iron and can heat up, though rare for aortic MRA as it's not near the face)
  • Any history of working with metal (e.g., welder, metal worker) where there's a chance of tiny metal fragments in the eyes. An X-ray may be needed to clear you for the MRI.
• Kidney Health:
  • A history of kidney disease, kidney failure, kidney transplant, or if you are on dialysis. This is crucial if gadolinium contrast is planned.
• Allergies:
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to MRI contrast dye (gadolinium).
  • Any other significant drug allergies or a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
• Claustrophobia: If you suffer from severe fear of enclosed spaces.
• Breastfeeding: If you are currently breastfeeding. Special considerations may apply if contrast dye is used, though typically it's considered safe with a brief interruption or no interruption. Discuss this with our team at Cadabams Diagnostics.
• Inability to lie flat or still for an extended period.

Providing this information accurately to the Cadabams Diagnostics team ensures that your MRI Aortic Angiography can be performed safely and effectively.