Current status of carotid imaging by MRA

Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumen of the carotid artery, or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the carotid, has gone through a long evolutionary period to become a routine imaging modality in many centers. Further improvements are becoming available. There are better gradients available for scanners, high resolution neck surface coils allow improved signal to noise ratios, and contrast agents which have a longer intravascular dwell time are about to be introduced. Thus, further evolution of this modality will result in continued improvement in our ability to define the vascular lumenal edge and give the added advantage of in vivo plaque imaging. At present, these newer developments are available only in research centers.