MRI Brain Vessel Wall Imaging – Contrast is a specialized high-resolution MRI examination that provides detailed contrast-enhanced imaging of cerebral blood-vessel walls to evaluate atherosclerosis, vasculitis, arterial dissection, aneurysms, and other vascular abnormalities, supporting accurate diagnosis and clinical management.
Disclaimer: Result availability is subject to the laboratory's schedule and test availability.
MR angiography primarily evaluates the blood-flow channel or lumen of a vessel, whereas vessel wall MRI focuses on the structure and characteristics of the vessel wall itself. The two techniques may complement each other.
Preparation depends on the centre's protocol. Inform the MRI team about kidney disease, previous contrast reactions, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, metallic implants, pacemakers, and other implanted medical devices. Follow any specific instructions provided.
Depending on the findings, your doctor may recommend MR angiography, CT angiography, digital subtraction angiography, blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, or specialist vascular/neurological evaluation.
This examination may be recommended for patients with unexplained narrowing of brain arteries, suspected blood-vessel inflammation, recurrent or unexplained stroke, suspected arterial dissection, aneurysms, or other intracranial vascular abnormalities.