- Strengths
- CTA probably better than MRA for renal artery stenosis workup, but non-contrast options exist for MR in patients with renal insufficiency.
- Limitations
- CTA much better for SMA evaluation (more characterization of stenosis and better visualization of peripheral vessels. CTA better for aneurysm characterization, post stentgraft eval. MRA can be used to evaluate dissections especially in chest.
- Contraindications
- 1) Standard MR questionaire as to contraindicated implanted devices, surgery, etc.; 2) Gadolinium will be dose-adjusted dependent upon creatinine clearance. It will not be given with CrCl <30 due to risk of NSF.
- CPT Code
- 74185
- Exact format for order to be authorized
- MR Angiogram abdomen; with and without gadolinium
- Patient Preparation
- None.
