Doctors use MRA to: identify abnormalities, such as aneurysms, in the aorta, both in the chest and abdomen, or in other arteries. detect atherosclerotic (plaque) disease in the carotid artery of the neck, which may limit blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke.

Why would you need an MRA?

MRA uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to create images of soft tissues, bones, and internal body structures. An MRA of the brain is used to produce two three-dimensional images of the blood vessels. MRA is primarily used to detect narrowing of the arteries and to rule out aneurysms.

Does an MRA show tumors?

Usually cancers and tumors have deranged blood vessels and this often shows up in dye enhanced MRI images. This type of imaging is often called MRA or Magnetic resonance angiograms.