Mirage Imaging MRI Center is pleased to announce the acquisition of an advanced imaging technique called Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA).  MRA is a non-invasive procedure that provides the capability to visualize the vascular structures of the human body.  Hitachi's MRA utilizes the Time-of-Flight method to acquire images of blood vessels.

2D Time-of-Flight acquisitions typically demonstrate high contrast of fast flowing blood.  This technique is advantageous for imaing the carotids and for angiography of the body.  A walking presaturation pulse, selectively placed above or below each slice, provides images of either the arterial or venous flow.

3D Time-of-Flight acquisitions excite an entire volume of tissue providing increased resolution of the vascular structures.  This technique is advantageous in imaging small vessels in the brain.  Multi-slab acquisitions are often used to decrease saturation effects in flowing blood and improve resolution.

The images are reconstructed using a maximum intensity projection, or MIP technique, which enables three dimensional viewing of the vascular anatomy.  The rotational projections can be photographed conventionally or recorded on a videotape for your review.

MRA can be used to screen for various vascular diseases and pathological conditions throughout the body.  Clinically, MRA may be useful in diagnosing aneurysms, vascular malformations, occlusions, stenosis, thrombosis, and vascular tumors.

We look forward to providing you and your patients with the quality and courteous service you have come to expect from Mirage Imaging MRI Center.  If you have any questions about our facility or the new pelvis coil, please do not hesitate to call us.