Magnetic resonance angiography in the body

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is gaining wide acceptance as a clinical tool for evaluation of the carotid arteries and intracranial circulation. MR angiographic methods are far less widely employed in the body. However, several very powerful techniques have been developed which provide a wealth of clinical information and which may soon replace alternative imaging techniques for a variety of applications. As compared with MRA of the head and neck, these techniques require more interactive involvement by a physician and more familiarity with the imaging machine to derive their full benefit. Based on the experience of the authors and others working in the field, this article outlines strategies for MRA of the abdomen, pelvis and thorax, and reviews the clinical situations in which these techniques have proved useful.