Name of the Procedure:

Magnetic Resonance Angiography with Contrast, Pelvis (C8918)

• Common Names: MRA Pelvis, Pelvic Angiography
• Technical/Medical Terms: Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography (CE-MRA) of the Pelvis

Summary

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the pelvis with contrast is an imaging test that uses magnetic fields and an injectable contrast dye to visualize blood vessels in the pelvic region. It helps doctors diagnose and evaluate blood flow problems, blockages, or abnormalities in the pelvic blood vessels.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed:
  • Blocked or narrowed blood vessels
  • Aneurysms
  • Blood clots
  • Vascular malformations
• Goals/Expected Outcomes:
  • Obtain detailed images of pelvic blood vessels
  • Diagnose the cause of pelvic pain or other related symptoms
  • Plan for possible surgical or medical interventions

Indications

• Symptoms like unexplained pelvic pain or swelling
• History of vascular diseases
• Screening for blood vessel abnormalities
• Monitoring known blood vessel conditions
• Pre-surgical evaluation

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions:
  • Fasting for a few hours prior to the procedure
  • Discuss any medications with your doctor; some may need adjustments
• Diagnostic Tests Required:
  • Renal function tests to ensure safe contrast dye use

Procedure Description

1. Initial Setup:
   • Patient changes into a hospital gown.
   • An intravenous (IV) line is inserted for contrast dye administration.
2. Scanning:
   • Patient lies on a sliding table that moves into the MRI machine.
   • Initial scans are taken without contrast.
3. Contrast Injection:
   • Contrast dye is injected through the IV line.
4. Post-Contrast Scanning:
   • Additional scans are taken with the contrast dye enhancing blood vessels.
5. Completion:
   • IV line is removed, and patient can change back to their clothes.

Tools/Equipment Used:

• MRI machine
• IV catheter
• Contrast dye

Anesthesia/Sedation: Not typically required; if needed, light sedation may be used for claustrophobic patients.

Duration

Typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

Performed in a hospital radiology department or an outpatient imaging center.

Personnel

• Radiologist
• MRI Technologist
• Nurse or medical assistant

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks:
  • Mild allergic reactions to contrast dye
• Rare Risks:
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Kidney damage in patients with preexisting kidney issues

Benefits

• Provides detailed images of blood vessels without radiation exposure
• Helps in accurate diagnosis leading to better treatment planning
• Non-invasive compared to traditional angiography

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care:
  • Resume normal activities immediately
  • Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the contrast dye
• Expected Recovery Time:
  • Immediate recovery with no restrictions

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options:
  • CT Angiography
  • Conventional angiography
• Pros and Cons:
  • MRA avoids radiation exposure and is non-invasive
  • CT and conventional angiography may offer slightly better resolution but involve radiation

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure:
  • May feel coolness from the contrast dye injection
  • Slight noise from the MRI machine
  • Should remain still for clear images
• After the Procedure:
  • No pain expected
  • Drink fluids to aid in contrast dye elimination
• Pain Management:
  • Typically, no pain or discomfort to manage.

This comprehensive overview should give patients a clear understanding of what to expect from a Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) with Contrast of the pelvis (C8918).