Julie...I never had an MRA either.....I will see what I can find out for u.
I am sure it must be like an MRI with contrast...just a closer look at the veins and such.
"selma"
below is copied and pasted from the web
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=angiomr
What is MR Angiography?
Angiography is a minimally invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Angiography uses one of three imaging technologies and, in some cases, a contrast material to produce pictures of major blood vessels throughout the body.
Angiography is performed using:
x-rays with catheters
computed tomography (CT)
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
In magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer produce the detailed images. MR angiography does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).
MR angiography may be performed with or without contrast material. If needed, the contrast material is usually injected using a vein in the arm.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
MR angiography is used to examine blood vessels in key areas of the body, including the:
brain
kidneys
pelvis
legs
lungs
heart
neck
abdomen
Physicians use the procedure to:
identify disease and aneurysms in the aorta, both in the chest and abdomen, or in other major blood vessels
detect atherosclerosis disease in the carotid artery of the neck, which may limit blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke
identify a small aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation inside the brain
detect atherosclerotic disease that has narrowed the arteries to the legs and help prepare for endovascular intervention or surgery
indicate disease in the renal artery or visualize blood flow to help prepare for a kidney transplant
guide surgeons making repairs to diseased blood vessels, such as implanting or evaluating a stent
detect injury to one of more arteries in the neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis or extremities in trauma patients
evaluate the details of arteries feeding a tumor prior to surgery or other procedures such as chemoembolization or selective internal radiation therapy
identify dissection or splitting in the aorta in the chest or abdomen or its major branches
show the extent and severity of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries
plan for a surgical operation, such as coronary bypass
sample blood from specific veins in the body to detect any endocrine disease
examine pulmonary arteries in the lungs to detect pulmonary embolism (blood clots from leg veins)
screen individuals for arterial disease, especially patients with a family history of arterial disease or disorders
Hi Selma,
I don't have my appointment yet, need to get prior auth from insurance. Once MD office gets that then I will go for the tests. I haven't researched MRA much, but will now, not sure about that and chiari what it would show.
Hi Julie,
Glad u have the tests ordered...when do u go for them?
It is good to have a dr u can talk to...I hope he also understands chiari.
Try and eat and keep up ur strenght.....
"selma"