[Vascular imaging with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)]

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has become firmly established within the scope of diagnostic imaging procedures for assessing many pathological conditions and, depending on the questions posed, is often used on its own or as a supplementary method. MRA allows the (non)-invasive visualization of the vasculature by using the effects of moving spins on the magnetic resonance signal. MRA techniques can be classified into two different techniques depending on how the contrast is achieved: Time-of-flight (TOF) and phase contrast (PC) methods. Both methods have advantages and limitations as an imaging technique. This article outlines the basic understanding of MRA as well as the recent rapid expansion in MRA acquisition and processing techniques.