MRI NECK ANGIO (TOF)
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
- Full form: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Neck Angiography – Time-of-Flight
- Principle: Uses powerful magnets and radio waves (no X-rays) to detect blood flow in carotid and vertebral arteries.
- Output: High-resolution 3-D images that reveal narrowing, blockages, or abnormal vessels.
List of Parameters
- Vessel diameter at multiple levels
- Peak systolic velocity (indirect sign of stenosis)
- Signal voids that suggest turbulent flow
- Plaque type (calcified vs. soft)
- Aneurysm neck & dome dimensions
Why This Test
- Evaluate dizziness or syncope of unknown origin
- Check for carotid artery stenosis before cardiac surgery
- Investigate pulsatile neck mass
- Plan neuro-interventional procedures (coiling, stenting)
- Monitor post-surgery vessel patency
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- Zero radiation – safe for children & pregnant women (after 1st trimester)
- 10–15 minute scan time with Cadabams’ 1.5T & 3T MRI systems
- Day-zero digital reports via secure email & app
- Sub-millimetre resolution spots early plaques missed on ultrasound
- One-stop booking – choose slot, upload prescription, pay online
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Neck Angio (TOF)
| Condition | What the Scan Shows |
|---|---|
| Carotid stenosis | % narrowing, plaque character |
| Vertebral artery dissection | Intimal flap & false lumen |
| Aneurysm | Sac size, neck width, relation to parent vessel |
| Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) | Tangle of flow voids |
| Takayasu arteritis | Long-segment wall thickening |
Preparing for test
Pre-requisites
- Fasting: Not required for plain TOF; 4-hour fast if contrast is added.
- Clothing: Wear metal-free attire or change into provided gown.
- Previous films: Bring old scans/CD for comparison.
Best Time to Take the MRI Neck Angio (TOF)
- Morning slots reduce waiting time.
- Post-symptom onset within 48 hours yields clearer flow data.
Eligibility
- Adults & children above 5 years.
- Pregnant women after risk-benefit discussion with radiologist.
Procedure for Taking an MRI Neck Angio (TOF)
- Check-in at Cadabams Diagnostics reception.
- Screening form for implants and allergies.
- Positioning – lie supine, head in neck coil.
- Scan – loud tapping sounds; earplugs provided.
- Review – preliminary images shown on console; repeat sequences if needed.
- Exit – collect token for online report link within 3 hours.
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Remove jewellery, credit cards, hearing aids.
- Inform staff if you have tattoos with metallic ink.
- Sedation – arrive 30 minutes early if prescribed.
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Normal flow void | Uniform black tubular lumen | No stenosis |
| >70 % stenosis | Reduced lumen diameter & post-stenotic flow jet | High stroke risk; refer to vascular surgeon |
| Wall irregularity | Focal thickening or ulceration | Early atherosclerosis; lifestyle + statins |
| Aneurysm ≥5 mm | Saccular outpouching | Neuro-intervention planning |
| Dissection flap | Linear low-signal band splitting lumen | Start antiplatelet; repeat scan in 3–6 months |
| Flow Abnormalities | Altered flow patterns, such as slow, dampened, or turbulent flow, seen on Doppler or MRA sequences. | May indicate upstream narrowing, downstream obstruction, or abnormal vessel structure. Further evaluation may be required. |
| Vessel Tortuosity / Kinking | Excessive curving or sharp bends in arterial paths. | Commonly benign and age-related, but significant distortion may influence blood flow or complicate procedures (e.g., catheterization) |
| Congenital Vascular Anomaly | Unusual vessel origin or branching pattern (e.g., aberrant vertebral artery course). | Often an incidental finding. May be relevant if associated with symptoms or procedural planning. |
Risks & Limitations
| Risk / Limitation | How Cadabams Manages It |
|---|---|
| Claustrophobia | Open-bore & wide-bore MRI machines, mild sedation on request |
| Metal implants / pacemakers | Detailed screening checklist before booking |
| Gadolinium allergy | TOF sequence is contrast-free; if contrast is added, pre-medication available |
| Motion artefacts | Head-immobiliser cushion & real-time coaching |
FAQs
Is MRI Neck Angio (TOF) painful?
No. You simply lie still; there are no needles unless optional contrast is used.
How soon can I drive after the scan?
Immediately, unless you received sedation – then wait 2 hours and bring an escort.
Can I eat or drink before the test?
Yes, for plain TOF. Follow fasting instructions if contrast is added.
Will the scan detect a mini-stroke (TIA)?
It shows vessel changes that may have caused TIA, enabling preventive treatment.
Do I need an injection of contrast dye for an MRI Neck Angio (TOF)?
Typically, no. The Time-of-Flight (TOF) technique is specifically designed to visualize flowing blood without the need for an intravenous contrast agent (dye). This makes it a form of Non-contrast MRI angiography of neck. In some specific situations, if the TOF MRA is inconclusive or more detail is needed, your doctor might recommend a follow-up scan that does use contrast, but this is not standard for the initial TOF MRA.
What happens if an abnormality is found on my scan?
If your MRI Neck Angio (TOF) reveals any abnormalities, your referring doctor will discuss these findings with you in detail. They will explain what the findings mean for your specific health situation and recommend the most appropriate course of action, which could include further monitoring, lifestyle modifications, medication, or other treatments.