Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA)

MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography)

Risks

There is a slight risk of having an allergic reaction if contrast material is used during the MRA scan. Most reactions can be controlled using medicine.

An MRI can cause a burn with some medicine patches. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are wearing a patch.

If you have kidney disease, such as kidney failure, talk to your doctor before having an MRA scan with contrast material. The contrast material used for an MRA contains a chemical called gadolinium. If you have kidney disease, this chemical may cause a serious problem, called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: July 9, 2008
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
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