MRI Vs MRA

Unlike the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is normally done on a specific body part. An MRA scan is generally carried out on the brain to detect any blood clots that may have been caused due to some health conditions. Magnetic Resonance Imaging on the other hand, is used to view vessels in the neck and spinal cord.

MRA is generally used to view the cartoid arteries in the neck. Any injury that has happened to these arteries is clearly visible in the MRA reports. Blockage of arteries is a serious problem that post surgical patients suffer from and it can be clearly visible in an MRA report. As already mentioned, the primary reason for bringing MRA into the diagnosis process is to see whether there is any aneurysm or AVM in the brain vessels. Cardiovascular diseases can also be diagnosed very well with MRA. If there is any fat or calcium deposits in blood vessels, the MRA reports show clear indication of the same.

MRI on the other hand is a process of radiologic imaging that is used to diagnose internal bleeding, tumors and any blockages present in the entire limb of the human body. Any injuries to the brain or other organ is clearly visible in an MRI report. MRI is also used to diagnose, if the different glands in the human body are functioning properly or not. If a medical practitioner or surgeon suspects that there may be an injury to any ligament in the body, then the patient is generally advised to go for an MRI test. Scoliosis is one of the spine problems that can be diagnosed only through an MRI. The presence of a syringe in any nerve passing through the spine of a patient, suggests that he is suffering from scoliosis. MRI test is done to check out, if any such syringe is present in the patient's spine. Joint problems are among the most common ailments that are diagnosed through MRI test.

Now let's come down to the similarities of both these diagnosis processes. MRA as already mentioned, is a type of MRI. Both the processes are conducted using the same apparatus. Radio wave energy and magnetic fields are used when conducting both the tests. They give far more accurate information than what can be revealed in an X-ray. Before an MRI or MRA test is carried out, the patient's body needs to be examined for the presence of any metal. This process includes the presence of magnetic fields and any metal present in the body can make the situation very complicated. Though the presence of metal is generally not checked before carrying out an MRI test, but certain facts about a person needs to be known before he is subjected to an MRI or MRA test. It should be noted if the patient had a history of working with metals, or has a metal eye or a metallic object inserted into his body because of some other health problems. An MRI or MRA should not be the recommended method of diagnosis under such circumstances.

MRI and MRA are both very simple diagnosis processes that may cost a lot, but do not require any preliminary preparation before the test. No fluid or syringe is inserted into the body. Before undergoing the test you only need to remove any metallic objects that you may be carrying. During the entire process, you just need to lie down still, since a slight movement might hamper the test process and it will have to be started all over again. If you are claustrophobic or you consumed any medication before coming over for the test, then do let your doctor know about it before the test is conducted. Also let your doctor know if you ever had any allergic reaction to iodine or shellfish or if you are asthmatic.