Why Do MRI Renal Angiography? Advantages of MRI Renal Angiography

✅ Why Do MRI Renal Angiography?

MRI Renal Angiography (MRA) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses magnetic resonance imaging to visualize the renal arteries and veins. It is typically performed without ionizing radiation and often without iodinated contrast, making it safer for many patients.

🎯 Primary Indications:

1. 🩺 Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS):

   • To detect narrowing of the renal arteries (commonly due to atherosclerosis or fibromuscular dysplasia).

   • Important in evaluating secondary hypertension (especially in young patients or those with difficult-to-control BP).

2. 🩻 Renal Vein Thrombosis:

   • Identify clot formation in the renal vein (e.g., in nephrotic syndrome, trauma, or malignancy).

3. 🧬 Renal Artery Aneurysm or Dissection:

   • Evaluate aneurysmal dilatation or tears in the renal artery walls.

4. 🔍 Pre-Surgical or Pre-Transplant Evaluation:

   • To assess vascular anatomy before kidney surgery or transplant.

5. 🧪 Evaluation of Renovascular Hypertension:

   • Rule out vascular causes of high blood pressure due to compromised blood flow.

6. 🩹 Post-Interventional Follow-up:

• After stenting, angioplasty, or bypass surgery involving renal vessels.

why do mri renal angio

💡 Advantages of MRI Renal Angiography:

• No radiation exposure

• Good soft tissue contrast

• No need for iodinated contrast (can use Gadolinium) – safer for those with iodine allergy or renal insufficiency

• Can be done with or without contrast

⚠️ Limitations / Considerations:

• Gadolinium contrast may still carry risk in severe renal failure (risk of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis)

• May be less detailed than CT Angiography for small vessel disease

• Contraindicated in patients with MRI-incompatible implants