Neck arteries MRI is a method of visual diagnosis of the condition of arterial vessels supplying the brain and blood flow in them by irradiating the patient with radio waves in a strong magnetic field. The object of the study is the brachiocephalic trunk, right and left subclavian arteries, right and left vertebral arteries, right and left common carotid arteries, external and internal carotid arteries. MR angiography can reveal atherosclerotic changes in the vascular wall, compression of vessels by vertebrae or tumor, aneurysms and tortuosity of arteries, anatomical structure disorders. The technique is indispensable when planning vascular operations (angioplasty, prosthetics, etc.) and monitoring their effectiveness.
Indications
The study is prescribed in case of suspicion of congenital and acquired vascular pathologies, for example, aneurysms. Established arterial hypertension is also an indication for neck arteries mri, since the causes of increased pressure may be vascular abnormalities, intravascular tumors, atherosclerotic plaques occupying the entire lumen of the artery or its main part. In this case, MRI arteriography of the neck is used only after other diagnostic methods, when the latter have not found the cause of hypertension.
Arteriovenous malformations are also detected using neck arteries mri. The technique allows you to carefully study the structure of blood vessels, visualize the layers of the vascular wall, the width of the lumen, the relative position of the arteries, etc. The resulting images make it possible to differentiate tumor processes and intravascular formations, which further determines medical tactics. Being a highly accurate imaging method, MRI is used in the diagnosis of arterial dissections associated with either trauma or pathological changes due to atherosclerosis, tumors, Takayasu disease, systemic connective tissue diseases, etc. Migraine and headache, the cause of which is not detected by the results of other diagnostic methods, are also indications for MRI.
Contraindications
MR angiography is contraindicated with an existing pacemaker, neurostimulator and any implants sensitive to the effects of magnetic fields. Surgical staples, pins, clamps, etc. also prevent neck arteries MRI. Examination is contraindicated during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, except in cases of life-threatening conditions. The decision in such situations is always made collectively. In case of allergy to a contrast agent and chronic renal failure (in the case of a contrast study), the patient’s weight is over 120-140 kg (for all types of procedures) other diagnostic methods are recommended.
Preparation
Special preparation for MRI angiography of the neck is not required. If contrast is necessary, the examination is performed on an empty stomach, kidney function is preliminarily evaluated, especially with a history of diseases of the urinary system, as well as in the case of arterial hypertension. An allergic history involves conducting skin tests with a contrast agent.
Methodology of conducting
Neck arteries MRI is performed on an outpatient basis or during hospitalization, which is important for an emergency examination. The patient is placed on a couch located in the center of the tomograph, in a supine position, the head and neck are carefully fixed. During operation, the device makes loud noises, at the request of the examinee, earplugs or headphones are given to him. The duration of the procedure is about 30 minutes, MRI of the neck arteries with contrast lasts longer. The result is prepared by a radiologist within a few hours (up to a day). The patient receives a written report and photographs, in addition, the data can be recorded on a digital medium.