cardiac MRA questions

[Debbrn]

I am having a cardiac MRA when I go up to Boston in the spring for a second opinion. I was born with TOF and have had a cadavar pulmonary valve placed 16 years ago. I know that they want to look at my pulmonary arteries among other things I'm sure.

I can not find a whole lot on the internet about cardiac MRA except that it sounds like new technology for the heart and they are still figuring out what the images mean.

Anyone know much about the cardiac MRA? Anyone had one done?

Debbie

 

[Marty]

I am having a cardiac MRA when I go up to Boston in the spring for a second opinion. I was born with TOF and have had a cadavar pulmonary valve placed 16 years ago. I know that they want to look at my pulmonary arteries among other things I'm sure.

I can not find a whole lot on the internet about cardiac MRA except that it sounds like new technology for the heart and they are still figuring out what the images mean.

Anyone know much about the cardiac MRA? Anyone had one done?

Debbie

Hi Debbie,
MRA is not all that new. We.ve been doing it since 1999. Some physicians believe it can substitute for the more invasive cardiac catheterization to demonstrate the blood vessels. It can be done without an injection. Then the test is easy and over in thirty minutes. Not much to worry about. Hope your test goes well. Marty

 

[aussigal]

I have had this done ...

It is pretty much the same as a regular MRI/A scan, in one of those enclosed-tunnels. I had the contrast injection with mine and had to hold my breath a few times during the scan so as not to blur the images...it took about 30-45 minutes. If you have seen pics from a 3D CT scan they look quite similar to a Cardiac MRA.

If you have any other Q's ask away...I can probably even post an image from it if you like.

From memory an MRA is with contrast and an MRI is without it but they both use the same machine