MR-Angiography: Basic and Optional Sequences

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an extremely complete and sophisticated tool for an in-depth study of the aorta. It consists of several complementary acquisition techniques that allow us to investigate not only the vascular anatomy and its variants, but also to assess vessels’ walls and lumen, as well as type, direction, and magnitude of intra-luminal flows. The examination can be effected with or without the use of intravenous paramagnetic contrast medium (CM). 2D or 3D, static or dynamic, bright blood or black blood acquisitions can be obtained. The absence of ionizing radiation and the possibility of obtaining good quality diagnostic images without using intravenous CM are particularly useful when facing with elderly and nephropathic patients, as well as in young people undergoing repeated follow-up and in pregnant women.