CPT® Code 74185

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a specialized imaging technique used to visualize the blood vessels in the abdomen. This noninvasive diagnostic procedure employs a powerful magnetic field combined with radiofrequency pulses to generate detailed images of vascular structures. The primary purpose of MRA is to assess the condition of blood vessels, which can be critical in diagnosing various vascular diseases and conditions. The procedure can be performed with or without the use of contrast material, which is a substance injected into the bloodstream to enhance the visibility of blood vessels on the images. MRA is particularly useful for identifying abdominal aortic aneurysms, which are abnormal enlargements of the aorta that can lead to life-threatening complications if not detected early. Additionally, MRA can help detect injuries to blood vessels in trauma patients, evaluate arteries supplying tumors before treatments such as chemoembolization or radiation therapy, and identify dissections in the abdominal aorta or its major branches. It is also employed to assess renal or hepatic arteries for disease, visualize blood flow to major organs, and prepare for organ transplants. Furthermore, MRA can be used to screen for arterial disease in individuals with a family history of vascular issues and to detect embolisms, malformations, or obstructions within the abdominal vessels. The imaging process involves obtaining multiple images with thicknesses of 1-2mm, which are then processed to create maximum intensity projections (MIPs), akin to subtraction angiograms. The radiologist identifies areas of interest and requests detailed views of specific vessels, while a technologist handles the post-processing of the images. Ultimately, the radiologist reviews both the MIPs and the initial MRA images to compile a comprehensive written report of the findings.