Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) of blood vessels

Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) of blood vessels

Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 show MRAs of the normal smooth appearance of the large blood vessel (aorta) that carries blood from the heart.

Figure 3 shows an MRA of a narrowed and abnormal aorta from the buildup of calcium and fat (cholesterol) in the inner lining of the artery, often called "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis).

Current as of: July 6, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Rakesh K. Pai MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
George Philippides MD - Cardiology
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine