Abdominal aortic aneurysm MRI

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]; Hardik Patel, M.D.

Overview

MRI may be helpful in stable patients with a severe dye allergy, as it does not require nephrotoxic contrast. However, it is less accurate than thin-slice CT, costly, not as readily available as contrast CT or ultrasonography, and less valuable in assessing suprarenal extension of an aneurysm.

MRI

Advantages

• MRI may be helpful in stable patients with a severe dye allergy, where CT scanning is contraindicated.
• MRI provides imaging of the aorta comparable to that with CT scanning and ultrasonogram without subjecting the patient to dye load or ionizing radiation.
• MRI also provides superior imaging of branch vessels compared with CT scan or ultrasonogram.

Limitations

• Lack of widespread availability
• Need for a stable patient
• Incompatible with monitoring equipment
• High cost
• Less valuable in assessing suprarenal extension of aneurysm
• Less accurate than thin-slice CT