MRI CAROTID ANGIO

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Carotid Angio is an imaging test without injection or invasion that uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed pictures of the carotid arteries, which bring blood to the brain. The test diagnoses and determines the severity of carotid artery disease, a condition in which the carotid arteries become narrowed or blocked by atherosclerosis (plaque). 

Before undergoing the test, patients should: 

• Alert their physician to any medical devices, including pacemakers or artificial joints 
• Not wear metal-fastened clothing or accessories 
• Not eat or drink for a minimum of 4 hours prior to the test 
• Not wear makeup or hair care products that contain metal particles 

What is MRI Carotid Angio? 

MRI Carotid Angio combines MRI technology with angiography (a method of imaging blood vessels) to produce high-quality images of the carotid arteries. The procedure is performed by injecting a contrast agent (dye) into a vein in the arm, which makes the blood vessels visible and enables the radiologist to see them. 

The test takes pictures of the carotid arteries, which consist of the internal and external carotid arteries, and the vertebral arteries. The pictures assist the radiologist in evaluating the presence, location, and degree of any narrowing or blockage in the arteries. 

Types of MRI Carotid Angio 

There are two principal types of MRI Carotid Angio: 

• Time-of-flight (TOF) angiography: This method employs the flow of blood to image the blood vessels. 
• Contrast-enhanced angiography: This method employs a contrast agent (dye) to make the blood vessels conspicuous. 

During the examination, the radiologist analyses the following parameters: 

• Diameter and wall thickness of the artery 
• Location and presence of plaque or obstructions 
• Extent of narrowing or stenosis 
• Velocity and flow of blood 
• Anatomy of vasculature and any abnormalities 

Patient factors may require adjustments, including: 

• Age: Older patients can have more tortuous or calcified arteries, necessitating modified imaging parameters. 
• Underlying conditions: Patients with liver disease or kidney disease may need modified contrast agent dosing. 

The procedure is usually ordered for the following symptoms or conditions: 

• Carotid artery disease 
• Stroke or TIA 
• Asymptomatic carotid bruit 
• Hypertension or high blood pressure 
• Atherosclerosis or high cholesterol levels 

When and Who Needs to Take an MRI Carotid Angio? 

The following conditions or symptoms can lead a healthcare provider to order an MRI Carotid Angio: 

• Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke symptoms, e.g., paralysis, numbness, or weakness of one side of the body, difficulty in speaking, or double vision 
• Hypertension or high blood pressure 
• Hypercholesterolemia or atherosclerosis 
• History of carotid artery disease among relatives 
• Asymptomatic carotid bruit (audible sound over the carotid artery on stethoscope) 
• Planned carotid endarterectomy or angioplasty 

The test is generally advised for people above 50 years of age, particularly those with risk factors for atherosclerosis, including smoking, high blood pressure, or diabetes. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

There are several advantages in taking MRI Carotid Angio, including: 

• Pain-free and non-invasive 
• No exposure to ionizing radiation 
• Detailed high-resolution images of the carotid arteries 
• Capacity to identify and determine the severity of carotid artery disease 

Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Carotid Angio

Some of the common diseases diagnosed with MRI Carotid Angio are: 

• Carotid artery disease 
• Atherosclerosis 
• Stroke or TIA 
• Vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) 
• Carotid artery aneurysm or dissection 

To prepare for the test: 

• Inform your doctor of any medical implants, such as pacemakers or artificial joints 
• Avoid wearing clothing with metal fasteners or accessories 
• Not eat or drink for at least 4 hours before the test 
• Not wear makeup or hair products that may contain metal particles 

Pre-requisites 

There are no prerequisites for the test, but patients must: 

• Notify their physician of any kidney or liver illness 
• Stop taking certain drugs, including metformin, 48 hours prior to the test   

Best Time to Take the MRI Carotid Angio 

The test can be taken at any time, although it is typically best to do it in the morning to keep waiting times short. 

Eligibility 

The test is normally advised for anyone above 50 years of age, particularly those who have risk factors for atherosclerosis. Patients with some medical conditions, for example, severe kidney illness or claustrophobia, may not be suited to undergo the test. 

Procedure for Taking an MRI Carotid Angio  

The test lasts about 30-60 minutes and involves the following procedure: 

1. Preparation: The patient undresses and discards any metal objects. 
2. Positioning: The patient lies on the table and is held in position with straps. 
3. Contrast agent injection: Contrast agent (dye) is injected through a vein in the arm. 
4. Imaging: The carotid arteries are imaged using the MRI machine. 
5. Monitoring: Heart rate and blood pressure of the patient are checked during the procedure. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

Patients must: 

• Inform their physician about any medical implants, e.g., pacemakers or artificial joints 
• Refrain from wearing clothing that has metal fasteners or accessories 
• Not eat or drink anything for a minimum of 4 hours prior to the test 
• Avoid wearing makeup or hair products containing metal particles