Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) has reached a very sophisticated level, such that blood flow through the coronary (heart) arteries can be viewed without the use of a cardiac catheterization. Instead, the noninvasive MRA scan is used to take three-dimensional images of the heart and blood flow, so the physician can detect any damage to the vessel walls.

The test takes less time than a cardiac catheterization, requires no recovery period and does not entail the same risks as a more invasive procedure. The MRA has already shown benefit in evaluating large blood vessels (e.g., the carotid arteries leading to the brain or the femoral arteries in the leg). It is also seeing increased use in diagnosing stenosis (narrowing) of the renal (kidney) arteries.

As this technology becomes more widely available, MRAs may become the preferred alternative to cardiac catheterization.