BY DR. TIMOTHY WU
CTA and MRA tests are non-invasive, advanced imaging studies that provide detailed information about the blood vessels within our bodies and their anatomic relationships with other organs. These tests use ;modern computerized image processing techniques that let your vascular surgeon view vascular disease three-dimensionally—an important step in assessing the extent of the disease and how best to treat it.
How are CTA and MRA tests similar?
How are they different?
There are more differences between CTA and MRA than there are similarities. For example:
Which is right for you?
Your vascular surgeon decides which imaging study to perform based on a number of factors, including:
Your particular health issues
Possible concerns with CTA: allergic reaction to the IV contrast agent, kidney disease or failure, pregnancy
Possible concerns with MRA: presence of a pacemaker or AICD device, stimulators (e.g., for the spine), infusion pumps, certain implants
If Gadolinium IV contrast agent is ordered as part of the MRA: allergic reaction to the IV contrast agent, kidney disease or failure, pregnancy
Local Expertise
What about CTA radiation?
While CTA is a safe test when performed judiciously, the amount of radiation involved is not insignificant if repeated examinations are planned.
To get an idea of how much radiation is involved, the radiation from a typical CTA is equivalent to about 50 plain-film chest X-rays—about the amount of radiation the average person receives passively each year from the environment (“background radiation”).
An MRA is considered preferable for repeated examinations, but the availability and expertise of interpreting MRA images varies as outlined above.
