MRI ANGIOGRAM/ VENOGRAM (MRA/MRV)

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) and Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV) are specialized, advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques. The core purpose of an MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV) is to create detailed images of blood vessels within the body – specifically arteries (with MRA) and veins (with MRV).

This test is generally non-invasive, meaning it doesn't require surgical incisions. In some cases, a contrast agent, typically gadolinium-based, may be administered intravenously (into a vein) to enhance the clarity and detail of the images. A key advantage of MRI technology, including MRA and MRV, is that it does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safer option for certain patients and for repeated examinations.

The detailed images produced by an MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV) scan play a crucial role in helping doctors at Cadabams Diagnostics assess blood flow, identify structural abnormalities such as blockages (stenosis or occlusions), widenings (aneurysms), or abnormal connections (malformations), and plan effective treatments.

What is an MRA/MRV Scan?

To understand what is MR Angiography (MRA) and MR Venography (MRV), it helps to know they are built upon the same core principles as a standard MRI scan. These principles involve the use of strong magnetic fields, radio waves, and a sophisticated computer system to generate detailed images of the body's internal structures.

Focus of MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography)

MRA is specifically designed with specialized image acquisition sequences and computer processing to visualize arterial blood flow and the structure of arteries. This allows for the detailed examination of arteries in various parts of the body, such as the brain, neck, chest, abdomen, and limbs.

Focus of MRV (Magnetic Resonance Venography)

Similarly, MRV employs specifically designed sequences and processing techniques to visualize venous blood flow and the structure of veins. This is critical for identifying issues like blood clots in veins or abnormalities in venous drainage.

An MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV) scan can be performed using different techniques:

Contrast-Enhanced (CE-MRA/MRV)

This is a common approach where a gadolinium-based contrast agent is injected intravenously. The contrast agent makes the blood vessels appear brighter on the images, providing clear, high-resolution depictions.

Non-Contrast MRA/MRV

Several techniques can produce MRA/MRV images without the need for a contrast agent. These are particularly useful for patients who cannot receive gadolinium contrast due to kidney problems or allergies. Common non-contrast methods include:

• Time-of-Flight (TOF) MRA/MRV: This technique relies on the motion of blood to create contrast between flowing blood and stationary tissues. It's effective for visualizing arteries and veins with relatively fast flow.
• Phase-Contrast (PC-MRA): This method is sensitive to the velocity and direction of blood flow and can even be used to quantify it.

The outcome of an MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV) is a set of detailed cross-sectional images (slices) of the targeted blood vessels. These images can often be reconstructed by the computer into three-dimensional (3D) views, providing an excellent understanding of the vascular anatomy.

Types of MRA/MRV Scan

MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV) scans can be categorized based on whether contrast is used and the specific body region being examined.

Based on Contrast Use

• Contrast-Enhanced MRA/MRV (CE-MRA/MRV): This is the most common type for many applications. The gadolinium-based contrast agent injected into a vein significantly improves the visibility of blood vessels, providing robust and detailed images.
• Non-Contrast MRA/MRV: These techniques are valuable alternatives when contrast cannot be used.
  • Time-of-Flight (TOF): This method is particularly good for visualizing arteries with relatively high blood flow, such as those in the brain (cerebral MRA) and neck (carotid MRA).
  • Phase-Contrast (PC-MRA): This technique can not only visualize blood vessels but also quantify blood flow velocity and direction, which is useful in specific clinical scenarios.
  • Other specialized non-contrast techniques: Various other advanced non-contrast methods exist and may be used depending on the clinical question.

Based on Body Region

MRA/MRV scans can be tailored to examine blood vessels in virtually any part of the body:

• Cerebral MRA/MRV (Brain): To evaluate arteries and veins within the brain, often used for stroke, aneurysm, or AVM detection.
• Carotid MRA (Neck arteries): To assess the carotid and vertebral arteries in the neck, which supply blood to the brain.
• Renal MRA (Kidney arteries): To look for narrowing (stenosis) of the arteries supplying the kidneys, which can cause high blood pressure.
• Aortic MRA (Aorta): To examine the aorta (the body's largest artery) for aneurysms, dissections, or coarctation.
• Peripheral MRA/MRV (Limbs): To assess arteries and veins in the arms or legs, commonly for peripheral artery disease or DVT.
• Pulmonary MRA/MRV (Lung vessels – MRPA/MRPV): To evaluate the blood vessels of the lungs, though CT pulmonary angiography is often preferred for acute pulmonary embolism.

It's important to note the distinction between MRA sequences, which focus on arteries and arterial flow, and MRV sequences, which focus on veins and venous flow. Often, both MRA and MRV sequences might be performed during the same imaging session if clinically indicated, providing a comprehensive assessment of both arterial and venous systems in the targeted area.

Radiologists at Cadabams Diagnostics meticulously evaluate several parameters when interpreting your MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV) scan images to provide a comprehensive diagnostic report. These include:

Vessel Anatomy & Patency

• Presence and extent of stenosis (narrowing) or occlusion (complete blockage): Identifying areas where blood flow is restricted.
• Diameter of blood vessels: Comparing measurements to normal ranges and identifying bulges (aneurysms) or constrictions.
• Identification of aneurysms: Noting their size, shape (saccular, fusiform), location, and any associated features.
• Detection of vascular malformations: Identifying abnormal connections like arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), dural arteriovenous fistulas, or venous malformations.
• Vessel wall abnormalities: Looking for signs of arterial dissection (a tear in the vessel wall), inflammation (vasculitis), or atherosclerotic plaque.

Blood Flow Characteristics (especially with PC-MRA if performed)

• Presence and direction of blood flow: Confirming normal flow pathways and identifying any reversed or abnormal flow patterns.
• Velocity of blood flow: Measuring flow speeds, which can indicate the severity of a stenosis or assess the function of shunts.
• Identification of abnormal flow patterns: Such as turbulent flow distal to a stenosis or slow flow in veins.

For MRV Specifically

• Presence, location, and age of blood clots (thrombi) in veins: Differentiating acute (new) from chronic (old) clots in conditions like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST).

Relationship of Vascular Structures to Surrounding Tissues and Organs

• Assessing how blood vessels interact with adjacent structures, which is important for surgical planning or understanding symptoms caused by vessel compression of nerves or other tissues.

The purpose of MRA MRV imaging is multifaceted, primarily aimed at diagnosing, assessing, and guiding the management of a wide range of conditions affecting arteries and veins. Your doctor may recommend an MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV) scan for several key reasons:

• To diagnose and assess the severity of conditions affecting arteries and veins: This includes identifying blockages, narrowing, aneurysms, malformations, and blood clots.
• Detailed evaluation of symptoms such as:
  • Sudden, severe headaches; transient or permanent weakness/numbness on one side of the body; speech difficulties; vision changes: These could indicate a stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or a brain aneurysm.
  • Leg pain or cramping during exertion (claudication); non-healing sores on feet or legs; limb swelling; coldness or discoloration of limbs: These are symptoms suggestive of peripheral artery disease (PAD) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
  • High blood pressure that is difficult to control with medication (resistant hypertension): This might be caused by renal artery stenosis (narrowing of kidney arteries).
  • Dizziness, vertigo, or pulsatile tinnitus (ringing in ears that matches heartbeat): These symptoms can sometimes have vascular origins.
• To monitor known vascular diseases: For patients with previously diagnosed conditions like an unruptured brain aneurysm, MRA can monitor for growth or changes. For those with stents or grafts, MRA can check for continued patency.
• To plan for surgical or endovascular procedures: MRA/MRV provides a detailed roadmap for surgeons planning procedures like carotid endarterectomy (removing plaque from neck arteries), aneurysm coiling or clipping, or bypass surgery for blocked arteries.
• To evaluate vascular anatomy prior to other surgeries: For example, before an organ transplant or complex tumor removal, understanding the nearby vascular supply is crucial.
• As a non-invasive alternative to conventional catheter angiography: In many cases, MRA/MRV can provide the necessary diagnostic information without the risks and recovery time associated with invasive angiography.

When and Who Needs to Take an MRA/MRV Scan?

Your doctor may recommend an MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV) scan if you have symptoms or conditions that suggest a problem with your blood vessels. Clinicians request these scans to investigate various diagnostic queries.

Common symptoms that may prompt your doctor to order an MRA/MRV scan include:

• Suspected blockages (occlusions) or significant narrowing (stenosis) in arteries or veins.
• Evaluation for aneurysms (bulging, weakened areas in the walls of blood vessels) or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs – abnormal, tangled connections between arteries and veins).
• Investigation of symptoms suggestive of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), such as sudden weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, or vision changes.
• Assessment for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT – blood clots in deep veins, usually in the legs) or, less commonly for initial diagnosis, pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), though CT angiography is often the primary test for PE.
• Unexplained, persistent, or severe headaches, dizziness, or specific neurological deficits that may point to a vascular cause.
• Pain, cramping, swelling, or circulation issues in the limbs, which could indicate peripheral vascular disease.

Patient groups who commonly undergo MRA/MRV scans include:

• Individuals with known risk factors for vascular disease, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, high cholesterol, a history of smoking, or a family history of vascular conditions.
• Patients with known vascular conditions who require monitoring of their disease progression or the effectiveness of treatment (e.g., checking an aneurysm for growth).
• Patients for whom pre-surgical planning for vascular interventions (like aneurysm repair or bypass surgery) is necessary.

Benefits of Taking the Test

Choosing an **MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV)** scan at Cadabams Diagnostics offers several significant benefits for understanding your vascular health: - **Non-invasive:** Unlike traditional catheter angiography, which involves inserting a catheter into an artery (usually in the groin), diagnostic MRA/MRV typically only requires an IV line if contrast is used. This means less discomfort and a lower risk of complications associated with arterial puncture. - **No Ionizing Radiation:** MRA/MRV uses magnetic fields and radio waves, not X-rays or other forms of ionizing radiation. This makes it a safer option, especially for children, pregnant women (when absolutely necessary and carefully considered), and patients who may require multiple follow-up scans. - **Detailed Imaging:** This technique provides excellent high-resolution visualization of blood vessels and can also show the surrounding soft tissues, offering a comprehensive view of the area of interest. 3D reconstructions further enhance anatomical understanding. - **High Diagnostic Accuracy:** MRA/MRV is highly effective and accurate for detecting a wide range of vascular abnormalities, including stenosis, occlusions, aneurysms, and AVMs, often comparable to catheter angiography for many indications. - **Treatment Guidance:** The detailed information obtained from an MRA/MRV scan helps clinicians at Cadabams Diagnostics make well-informed decisions about the most appropriate medical, surgical, or endovascular treatments for your specific condition. - **Early Detection:** MRA/MRV can identify vascular problems in their early stages, sometimes even before they cause significant symptoms. Early detection can lead to timely intervention, potentially preventing major complications like stroke, aneurysm rupture, or limb loss. - **Reduced Risk Profile:** Compared to invasive angiography, MRA/MRV generally has a lower risk of serious complications, such as bleeding, infection at the puncture site, or damage to the blood vessel.

Illnesses Diagnosed with MRA/MRV

An **MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV)** is a powerful tool for diagnosing a wide spectrum of illnesses affecting the body's vascular system. Cadabams Diagnostics uses MRA/MRV to help identify: ### Arterial Conditions - **Cerebral Aneurysms:** Bulges in the arteries of the brain that can potentially rupture. - **Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs):** Abnormal tangles of blood vessels in the brain or other areas, disrupting normal blood flow. - **Carotid Artery Stenosis/Occlusion:** Narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries in the neck, a major risk factor for stroke. - **Renal Artery Stenosis:** Narrowing of the arteries supplying the kidneys, which can lead to high blood pressure and kidney damage. - **Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD):** Narrowing or blockage of arteries in the limbs, most commonly affecting the legs and feet. - **Aortic Aneurysm, Dissection, or Coarctation:** Conditions affecting the aorta, including widening (aneurysm), tears in its wall (dissection), or congenital narrowing (coarctation). - **Vasculitis:** Inflammation of blood vessel walls affecting arteries, which can restrict blood flow. ### Venous Conditions - **Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):** Blood clots forming in the deep veins, usually in the legs, which can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). - **Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST):** Blood clots in the brain's venous sinuses, a rare but serious type of stroke. - **Chronic Venous Insufficiency:** Impaired venous return from the legs, often leading to swelling, skin changes, and varicose veins. - **May-Thurner Syndrome:** Compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery, increasing DVT risk. - **Nutcracker Syndrome:** Compression of the left renal vein, typically between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery. - **Venous Malformations:** Congenital abnormalities of veins. MRA/MRV can also be instrumental in assessing vascular tumors (tumors with a rich blood supply or arising from blood vessels) or evaluating vascular compression syndromes where a blood vessel compresses a nerve or another structure.

Proper preparing for an MRA/MRV scan is important to ensure the quality of the images and your safety. The team at Cadabams Diagnostics will provide you with specific instructions, but here are general guidelines:

Food and Drink

• Generally, for most MRA/MRV scans without sedation, there are no specific dietary restrictions. You can eat, drink, and take your medications as usual.
• If a contrast agent is planned, local policies at Cadabams Diagnostics may require a short period of fasting (e.g., 4 hours prior to the scan). This is primarily to minimize the risk of nausea, though it's rare. Always clarify this with our staff when scheduling your appointment.
• If you are scheduled to receive sedation for your scan, you will be given specific instructions about fasting, usually for several hours before the procedure.
• It's good to stay normally hydrated unless told otherwise.

Medications

• Continue taking all your regular medications as prescribed by your doctor unless you are explicitly instructed otherwise by your physician or the Cadabams Diagnostics staff.
• It is very helpful to bring a list of all your current medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to your appointment.

Clothing & Personal Items

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not have metal zippers, buttons, snaps, underwires, or metallic threads.
• You may be asked to change into a hospital gown for the scan to ensure no metal objects interfere with the magnetic field.
• Remove all metallic objects before entering the scan room. This includes:
  • Jewelry (rings, necklaces, earrings, watches, bracelets)
  • Hairpins, barrettes, and other hair accessories with metal
  • Removable dental work (dentures, bridges) if they contain metal
  • Hearing aids
  • Body piercings (if removable)
  • Eyeglasses
  • Wallets, credit cards (magnetic strips can be erased), coins, keys

Information to Provide to Cadabams Diagnostics Staff

• Allergies: Inform our staff about any history of allergies, especially allergies to previous MRI contrast agents (gadolinium), iodine (though MRI contrast is different), or any other medications.
• Kidney Problems: Disclose if you have any history of kidney disease, kidney failure, or if you are currently on dialysis. This is crucial if a contrast agent is being considered.
• Pregnancy: Notify staff if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. MRA/MRV scans are generally avoided during pregnancy, especially the first trimester, unless urgently needed.
• Metallic Implants/Devices: This is extremely important. Inform staff about ANY metallic implants, medical devices, or metal fragments anywhere in your body (see "Caution Before Taking the Test" section for a more detailed list).
• Claustrophobia/Anxiety: Let our staff know if you suffer from claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces) or have significant anxiety about the scan. We can discuss options to help you, such as listening to music, having a friend or family member present (if allowed), or arranging for sedation if appropriate.
• Recent Surgery or Illness: Mention any recent surgeries or serious illnesses.

Arrival at Cadabams Diagnostics

• Arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. This allows ample time for registration, completing any necessary paperwork, and pre-scan preparations.

Companionship

• If you anticipate receiving sedation for your MRA/MRV scan, you must arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, as you will not be able to drive yourself.

Pre-requisites

Before you can undergo an MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV) scan at Cadabams Diagnostics, certain pre-requisites are typically needed:

• Doctor's Referral: A referral or order from your treating physician is usually required. This referral will outline the reason for the scan and the specific area to be examined.
• MRI Safety Screening Questionnaire: You will be asked to complete a detailed MRI safety screening questionnaire. This form helps identify any potential contraindications or safety concerns, such as the presence of metallic implants or other conditions that might make an MRI unsafe for you. Answer these questions accurately and thoroughly.
• Kidney Function Test (for contrast studies): If your MRA/MRV scan is planned with a gadolinium-based contrast agent, recent kidney function test results (e.g., serum creatinine and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate - eGFR from a blood test) may be required. This is especially important for patients with known kidney issues, diabetes, hypertension, or those over a certain age, to assess the risk of NSF.
• Prior Imaging Studies: If you have had any relevant previous imaging studies (such as X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or prior MRI scans) of the area being examined, please bring them with you, or inform our staff where they were performed. These can provide valuable comparative information for the radiologist interpreting your MRA/MRV.

Best Time to Take the MRA/MRV Scan

• MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV) scans are generally scheduled as elective procedures. You will need to book an appointment with Cadabams Diagnostics.
• The availability of scan slots will depend on the operating hours and schedule of our imaging center. We strive to offer convenient appointment times.
• In certain acute or urgent clinical situations (e.g., suspected acute stroke where MRA is deemed the most appropriate initial test, though CT/CTA is often faster), an MRA might be performed on an emergency basis.
• From a purely medical or technical perspective, there is usually no specific "best time of day" to have an MRA/MRV scan for most routine diagnostic purposes. The quality of the scan is not typically affected by the time of day it is performed.

Eligibility

Most individuals who can safely undergo a standard MRI scan are also eligible for an MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV). However, there are key considerations and potential contraindications:

Absolute Contraindications (MRI scan may not be possible)

The strong magnetic field of the MRI scanner can interact dangerously with certain metallic implants. These include:

• Older cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs): Many newer models are "MRI-conditional," meaning they can be scanned under specific conditions, but older ones are often unsafe. This must be verified.
• Certain types of older aneurysm clips in the brain: Especially ferromagnetic ones.
• Cochlear (inner ear) implants: Some are MRI-conditional, others are contraindications.
• Metallic foreign bodies in or near the eyes or other critical locations: Such as metal splinters from welding or machining. An X-ray may be needed to rule this out if there's a history of such injury.
• Certain neurostimulators or drug infusion pumps: Unless specifically certified as MRI-safe or MRI-conditional.

Relative Contraindications/Cautions (scan performed on a case-by-case assessment, potentially with modifications)

• Pregnancy: MRA/MRV is generally avoided during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, due to theoretical concerns about the effects of strong magnetic fields on the developing fetus. It is only performed if an urgent medical need exists and the benefits clearly outweigh potential risks. If contrast is essential, non-contrast techniques are preferred if diagnostically adequate.
• Severe Kidney Disease or Dialysis: If a gadolinium-based contrast agent is considered necessary, the risk of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) must be carefully evaluated. Your kidney function will be checked. In some cases, a non-contrast MRA/MRV may be performed instead, or the scan may be deferred or an alternative imaging modality chosen.
• Extreme Claustrophobia: Severe fear of enclosed spaces can make it difficult to complete the scan. Options include open MRI (if available at Cadabams Diagnostics and suitable for the specific MRA/MRV needed), sedation, or psychological coping strategies.
• Inability to Lie Still: Patients who cannot remain motionless for the required scan duration (typically 30-90 minutes) due to pain, movement disorders, or confusion may not be able to obtain diagnostic quality images. Sedation may be an option.
• Significant Obesity: MRI scanners have table weight limits and bore (tunnel) size limitations. Very large patients may not fit or may exceed the weight capacity.

The medical team at Cadabams Diagnostics will carefully review your medical history and specifics of any implants to determine your eligibility for an MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV).

Procedure for Taking an MRA/MRV Scan

Understanding the MR Venography (MRV) test procedure (and MRA procedure) can help alleviate any anxiety. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect during your MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV) scan at Cadabams Diagnostics:

1. Check-in & Preparation:

   • Upon arrival at Cadabams Diagnostics, you will check in at the reception.
   • You'll be asked to confirm your personal details and the type of scan you are having.
   • You will review and sign the MRI safety screening questionnaire.
   • You may be asked to change into a hospital gown to ensure there are no metallic items on your clothing. Lockers are usually provided for your personal belongings.

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

   • If your MRA/MRV scan requires a contrast agent, a qualified technologist or nurse will insert a small intravenous (IV) cannula (a thin plastic tube) into a vein, usually in your arm or hand. This IV line will be used to administer the contrast agent later during the scan.

3. Positioning:

   • You will be asked to lie down on a padded, motorized table that slides into the center of the MRI scanner.
   • The technologist will position you carefully to ensure the body part being examined is correctly aligned for the scan.
   • Specialized devices called "coils" may be placed around the part of your body being imaged (e.g., head coil for brain MRA/MRV, body coil for abdominal MRA). These coils help improve image quality by enhancing signal reception.

4. Inside the Scanner:

   • The MRI machine is a large, cylindrical magnet with a tunnel-like opening in the center. Most MRI scanners are open at both ends.
   • The technologist will operate the scanner from an adjacent control room. They will be able to see you through a window, hear you, and speak to you via an intercom system. You will be given a call bell or squeeze ball to alert the technologist if you need assistance during the scan.

5. Staying Still:

   • It is absolutely crucial to remain as still as possible throughout the entire scanning process. Even small movements can blur the images and may require sequences to be repeated, prolonging the scan time.
   • For certain types of MRA/MRV scans, especially those of the chest or abdomen, you may be asked to hold your breath for short periods (e.g., 10-25 seconds at a time). The technologist will guide you through these instructions.

6. Noise:

   • During image acquisition, the MRI scanner produces loud tapping, knocking, buzzing, or humming sounds. These are normal and occur as the magnetic fields are rapidly switched.
   • You will be provided with earplugs or headphones to protect your hearing and reduce noise. Often, music can be played through the headphones to help you relax.

7. Contrast Injection (if applicable):

   • If your MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV) scan includes contrast enhancement, the gadolinium-based contrast agent will be injected through the IV line, usually partway through the scanning procedure.
   • You might feel a cool sensation spreading up your arm during the injection, or a temporary metallic taste in your mouth. These sensations are normal and typically pass quickly.

8. Scan Duration:

   • The entire MRA/MRV procedure usually takes between 30 to 90 minutes. The exact duration depends on the complexity of the scan, the number of image sequences required for your specific clinical question, and the body part being examined.

9. Completion:

   • Once all necessary images have been acquired, the technologist will slide the table out of the scanner.
   • If an IV line was inserted for contrast, it will be carefully removed, and a small dressing applied to the site.
   • You will then be assisted off the table and can change back into your clothes.
   • Unless you received sedation, you can resume normal activities immediately after the scan. If you had sedation, you will need someone to drive you home and should rest for the remainder of the day.

Caution Before Taking the Test

Before your MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV) scan at Cadabams Diagnostics, it is critically important to inform the MRI technologist and/or radiologist about the following:

• Pregnancy: Any possibility that you might be pregnant or if you are currently breastfeeding. While MRA/MRV is generally considered safe after the first trimester if essential, contrast agents are usually avoided. Benefits versus risks must always be assessed.
• All Metal Implants in Your Body: Provide a comprehensive list. Even if you believe an implant is MRI-safe, it must be disclosed. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Cardiac pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)
  • Brain aneurysm clips (some older types are not MRI-safe)
  • Carotid artery stents, coronary stents, peripheral vascular stents
  • Artificial heart valves
  • Cochlear implants or other ear implants
  • Neurostimulators (for pain, bladder control, Parkinson's, etc.)
  • Implanted drug infusion pumps (e.g., insulin pumps, chemotherapy pumps)
  • Artificial joints (hip, knee, shoulder replacements)
  • Surgical clips, screws, plates, wires, or rods from previous surgeries
  • Shunts (e.g., ventriculoperitoneal shunts)
  • Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters
  • Metal coils or devices placed during endovascular procedures
  • If possible, know the type of implant and when it was placed. Implant cards are very helpful.
• History of Metal Fragments: If you have ever had metal fragments in your body, especially in or near your eyes (e.g., from welding, grinding, or military service), even if they were removed. An X-ray might be needed to confirm no fragments remain.
• Known Kidney Disease: Any history of kidney disease, kidney failure, kidney transplant, or if you are on dialysis. This is vital if a contrast agent is planned.
• Previous Allergic Reactions: Any previous allergic reactions to MRI contrast agents (gadolinium), iodine-based contrast (used in CT scans), or any other medications or dyes.
• Claustrophobia or Anxiety: If you have a significant fear of enclosed spaces or experience severe anxiety. Discuss this beforehand so that Cadabams Diagnostics staff can explore options to help you manage it, which may include sedation or an open MRI if appropriate and available.
• Tattoos or Permanent Makeup: Some older tattoo inks, especially red or black, contain metallic particles that can, in rare cases, heat up during an MRI scan and cause skin irritation or minor burns. Inform the technologist about any large or dark tattoos in the area being scanned.
• Inability to Lie Flat or Still: If you have any medical conditions (e.g., severe back pain, breathing difficulties when lying flat, tremors) that make it difficult to lie flat or remain still for an extended period (up to 90 minutes).
• Medication Patches: Some medication patches (e.g., nicotine patches, pain relief patches) contain metallic backing and must be removed before the scan to avoid skin burns. Always check with the technologist.

Providing this information accurately ensures your safety and the success of your MRI Angiogram/Venogram (MRA/MRV) scan.