Name of the Procedure:

Magnetic Resonance Angiography without contrast followed by with contrast, abdomen (C8902)

Summary

This procedure is a medical imaging technique used to view blood vessels in the abdomen. It starts with imaging without contrast followed by contrast-enhanced imaging to give a detailed view of the abdominal blood vessels.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed: Abdominal aortic aneurysms, blood vessel blockages, stenosis, and other vascular abnormalities.
• Goals/Expected Outcomes: To diagnose and evaluate blood vessel conditions in the abdomen, plan surgeries, or monitor treatment effectiveness.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Unexplained abdominal pain, vascular disease, suspected aneurysms, and unexplained changes in kidney function.
• Patient Criteria: Patients with a history of vascular problems, those showing symptoms suggestive of abdominal vascular issues, or those needing vascular anomaly evaluation.

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions: Fasting for 4-6 hours before the procedure; hydration is encouraged unless otherwise advised by the doctor.
• Diagnostic Tests/Assessments: Previous imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan), blood tests, and renal function tests.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Setup: The patient is positioned on the MRI table and may receive an intravenous (IV) line.
2. Imaging without Contrast: The patient undergoes an MRI scan without contrast to obtain initial images.
3. Contrast Administration: A contrast agent is injected through the IV line to enhance image quality.
4. Imaging with Contrast: Additional MRI scans are performed to capture detailed images of the blood vessels.

• Tools/Equipment: MRI machine, contrast agent, IV line.
• Anesthesia/Sedation: Usually, no anesthesia is required; sedation might be provided for patients with claustrophobia.

Duration

Typically, the procedure takes about 60-90 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a hospital or outpatient imaging center equipped with MRI facilities.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals: Radiologists, MRI technicians, and nursing staff.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Discomfort from IV line insertion, a warm sensation from contrast medium.
• Rare Risks: Allergic reaction to contrast medium, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with compromised kidney function.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Accurate diagnosis of vascular conditions, better treatment planning.
• Realization Time: Immediate visualization post-procedure; the radiologist’s report is typically available within a few days.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Hydration to help flush out the contrast agent; resume normal activities unless advised otherwise.
• Recovery Time: Usually immediate, with no significant downtime.
• Restrictions/Follow-up: Follow-up appointments to discuss results and further treatment, if necessary.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options: CT angiography, Doppler ultrasound, conventional angiography.
• Pros and Cons: MRI angiography avoids ionizing radiation compared to CT. However, CT might be quicker and more widely available.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: The patient might experience noise from the MRI machine, slight discomfort from lying still, and a warm sensation from the contrast.
• Pain Management/Comfort: Open MRIs can be used for claustrophobic patients, earplugs provided for noise reduction, and a calm atmosphere maintained for patient comfort.

This markdown medical guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Magnetic Resonance Angiography procedure for the abdomen, essential for patient understanding and preparation.