MRI RENAL ANGIOGRAPHY
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NABL Accredited
60 mins collection
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3hrs
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About The Test
Renal Angiography MRI Overview
MRRA or Magnetic Resonance Renal Angiography is a medical imaging technique that allows visualization of renal blood vessels. This test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to give comprehensive imaging of the renal arteries and the renal veins with the aim of diagnosing and assessing the various disorders associated with the renal circulation. In contrast to traditional techniques, MR Renal Angiography does not employ ionizing radiation, implying its wide usage in many patients. This test is used to evaluate renal artery stenosis, renal artery aneurysms, and other types of renal vascular abnormalities. Prior MRRA, patients may require specific medications, fasting or none at all based on their health condition and the health facility’s protocol.
What is MR Renal Angiography?
MR Renal Angiography is a noninvasive method that makes use of magnetic resonance ions to visualize the blood vessels’ network in the kidneys. The MRRA technique employs the use of magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses, and sometimes also requires contrast agents, to create pictures focusing on blood flow in the arteries and veins within the kidneys. For the particular procedure, the patient is positioned on a flat table, which gets to move through the aperture of a giant magnetic cannon. Imaging in this case relies on the distribution of hydrogen in the body subjected to magnetic waves as well as radio waves. Analysis of these images will assist in viewing the condition of renal blood vessels and the presence of blockages and other disturbances as well.
Types of MR Renal Angiography
- Non-contrast MR Renal Angiography: Uses sophisticated software to reconstruct images of blood vessels without the use of contrast agents. Such patients are appropriate for patients with contraindications to contrast.
- Contrast-enhanced MR Renar Angiography: the use of gadolinium-based contrast material for the provision of images with finer details. This technique is especially useful in the visualization of minute vascular lesions.
List of Parameters
List of Parameters Considered During the Renal Angiography MRI
- Integrity of the vessel wall: presence of any dissection, aneurysms, or other deformities.
- Blood Flow Transmission: The movement, velocity, and direction of blood flow with respect to narrowing or blockage.
- Patterns of Distribution of Contrast Agent: the manner in which contrast medium distributed itself in the renal vessels during renal angiography.
- Diseased Vasculature Attached to Muscle Support: Nelson variation in renal artery and vein overarching normal and anomalous distributions with reference to muscle attachments to respective medical structure.
Apart from the above-mentioned parameters, factors such as the age of the patients, underlying pathologies and the part of the body of interest may also affect the parameters used by the physician.
Why This Test
Reasons for Taking a Renal Angiography MRI
- For evaluating patients with secondary hypertension with suspicion of renal artery involvement.
- For assessment of potential and actual kidney donors and recipients.
- To look out for renal vascular or malformations.
- For assessment of renal vascular injuries or trauma.
- In case of previously diagnosed renal vascular diseases for evaluation.
Who should be recommended for an MR Renal Angiography?
Some symptoms that may warrant an MR Renal Angiography includes:
- High blood pressure in a particular patient and low probability of other causes especially caused by diseases of the renal artery.
- Screening a patient for the existence of a renal artery aneurysm.
- Decision making regarding renal arteries after a kidney transplant.
- Prior to kidney surgeries, decisions regarding the kidneys are made as there is risk of surgery.
- Evaluation of vascular diseases on some patients that have risks of vascular diseases.
Patients Age:
People who have uncontrolled hypertension or have no idea the cause of their hypertension.
- Kidney donation evaluators, having patients originating from this group.
- Patients with a known history of renal vascular disease.
- Atherosclerosis patients, and those with a family history of renal vascular disease.
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- Non-Invasive: No surgery or catheterization.
- Radiation-Free: Gadolinium does not emit ionizing radiation unlike CT and conventional angiography.
- Detailed Images: Images with high resolution help in adding more information for interpretation.
- Comprehensive View: Not only can the kidneys be visualised, but the vascular system as well.
Illnesses Diagnosed with Renal Angiography MRI
- Hepatic Renal artery stenosis
- Developmental Aneurysms of Kidney
- Blood supply malformations
- Transplant vascular complications
- Dysplasia of muscles and fibrous tissue
Preparing for test
Preparing for Renal Angiography MRI
- According to some studies, patients may be asked not to eat or drink within a specified duration before the test.
- Medication-related recommendations will be given, especially regarding anticoagulants or diabetes drugs.
Pre-requisites
- Any metal prosthesis implanted; history of any allergy and kidney functional tests which estimate the risk of NSF.
Best Time to Take the MR Renal Angiography
This test can be done at almost any time though special timetable may be arranged.
Eligibility
It is most suited for patients who have symptoms of renal vascular disease.
However, extra precautions should be taken for patients with kidney failure if any contrast is used.
Procedure for Taking a MR Renal Angiography
- Preparation: Put on the hospital gown; metal pieces should be taken off.
- Positioning: The patient lays on the MRI table.
- Scanning: The patient is put inside the MRI machine; movements should be kept to a minimum when a scan occurs.
- Contrast Injection: In some cases, if a Gadolinium contrast is needed, the contrast is injected intravenously into the patient.
- Completion: The scanning is done and the patient may be returned to the waiting area while results are being obtained.
In normal circumstances should take 30 to 60 minutes, but if contrasting is done it may take longer.
Precautions Prior to having the procedure done
- Any metal implants or devices must be reported.
- If pregnant or breastfeeding, then that should also be reported.
- Any renal disease in the past should also be reported, particularly because contrast may be used.
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Condition/Findings | Description | Interpretations |
|---|---|---|
| Renal Artery Stenosis | Narrowing of the renal arteries, also known as arteriosclerosis. | Indicates arterial sclerotic changes; may require management to control hypertension effectively. |
| Aneurysm | Bulging of the renal artery wall. | Poses a potential risk of rupture; close monitoring or intervention is necessary depending on severity. |
| Vascular Malformations | Abnormal vascular connections between renal arteries and veins. | May require embolization or surgical repair if not controlled, depending on individual circumstances. |
| Fibromuscular Dysplasia | String-beaded appearance of the renal arteries. | Often requires specialist management with a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. |
FAQs
Are there patients that are restricted from MR Renal Angiography?
Generally safe; however this is not the case for people who have metallic implants especially some types of implanted devices or renal problems where contrast is used.
How do I deal with clautrophobia?
If necessary, patients are allowed to ask their physician to prescribe sedatives before the examination.
Will I need someone to drive me to the test?
Most of the time, the patients can come by themselves, however, if medications were given, the patient needs someone to take them home
Who should I contact to provide me with information regarding the follow up for MR Renal Angiography?
At first, it would be advisable to call your doctor for an explanation of your findings and different options.