Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) Without Contrast, Spinal Canal and Contents

Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name(s): MR Angiography, MRA of the Spine
• Technical/Medical Term: Magnetic Resonance Angiography without contrast, spinal canal and contents (C8932)

Summary

An MRA without contrast of the spinal canal is a non-invasive imaging technique used to capture detailed images of the blood vessels within the spinal canal. It utilizes magnetic fields and radio waves to generate clear pictures without the need for contrast dye.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: Spinal cord injuries, vascular abnormalities, and aneurysms.
• Goals: To diagnose blood vessel abnormalities and assess the spinal canal's condition for planning treatments or surgeries.

Indications

• Symptoms like back pain, loss of sensation, or weakness.
• Conditions such as spinal cord compression, blood vessel malformations, or potential aneurysms.
• Appropriate for patients who cannot tolerate contrast dyes due to allergies or kidney issues.

Preparation

• Instructions: Typically, no special preparation is needed. Patients may be advised to remove any metallic objects.
• Tests: Occasionally, blood tests to assess kidney function if there’s a history of kidney issues.

Procedure Description

1. Patient Positioning: The patient lies down on the MRI table.
2. Imaging: The table slides into the MRI machine. The machine uses magnetic fields and radio waves to take images.
3. Monitoring: Technicians monitor the patient and images from another room.
4. Completion: Once the images are obtained, the patient can leave.

• Equipment Used: MRI machine.
• Anesthesia: None required.

Duration

Typically, the procedure lasts between 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Setting

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

Personnel

• Radiologist
• MRI Technician

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: None significant, as it is a non-invasive procedure.
• Rare Complications: Possible skin irritation from contact with the machine or claustrophobia.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Accurate diagnosis of vascular issues within the spinal canal.
• Timeline: Results are usually available within a few days, aiding in swift diagnosis and treatment planning.

Recovery

• Instructions: No post-procedure care is typically needed.
• Recovery Time: Immediate, with no activity restrictions.
• Follow-Up: Based on the imaging results and underlying condition.

Alternatives

• Other Options: CT Angiography, Traditional Angiography, Ultrasound.
• Pros and Cons:
  • CT Angiography: Faster but involves radiation and contrast dye.
  • Traditional Angiography: More detailed but invasive and involves contrast dye.
  • Ultrasound: Non-invasive and no radiation but less detailed.

Patient Experience

• During: Patients might hear loud noises from the MRI machine and feel slight discomfort from lying still.
• After: No pain or discomfort typically experienced post-procedure. Pain management is usually unnecessary, and comfort measures include communicating with the technician during the scan.

Overall, MRA without contrast of the spinal canal is a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to visualize blood vessel abnormalities and conditions within the spine.