Gadolinium-Enhanced MR Angiography

Non-invasive MRI can often replace the more dangerous and invasive catheter angiogram. Foxhall MRI provides state-of-the-art MR angiography, including 3D-gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography.

In this examination, gadolinium (an inert contrast agent) is injected via a peripheral vein, and imaging is then performed. The contrast agent renders the blood vessels as bright, contrast-filled structures that stand out from the rest of the body.

The examination is quite safe, and takes only a few minutes. In one application, MRI is a noninvasive way to study patients with suspected renovascular hypertension (high blood pressure due to narrowing of the blood vessels supplying the kidney). In the following example, there is mild, diffuse irregularity of the abdominal aorta, due to atherosclerotic plaque. The renal arteries are tortuous in this elderly individual, a feature that can occur with the normal aging process. Despite this tortuosity, there is no significant narrowing of either renal artery.
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