APLICACIÓN DE LA RESONANCIA MAGNÉTICA EN EL DIAGNÓSTICO DE LA PATOLOGIA VASCULAR ARTERIAL: ANGIO-RESONANCIA MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF ARTERIAL VASCULAR DISEASES: MR ANGIOGRAPHY

Obtention of arteriographic images by means of Magnetic Resonance (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) is a robust technique, and scientific evidence recommends its use as a non invasive alternative to conventional catheter arteriography. In addition, it has some advantages comparing to doppler sonography (obtention of arteriographic images) and CT angiography (lack of ionising radiation and use of safer contrast media), and in many cases provides additional information, morphologic or functional. Technical advances in Magnetic Resonance systems over the last years have made this examination competitive, although obtaining an optimal result requires appropriate technical and human resources. In this article we present a review of the clinical applications of Magnetic Resonance Angiograpy in intracranial vasculature, supraortic trunks, aorta, renal arteries, inferior extremities, pulmonary arteries and other aortic vessels. At this time, main disadvantages include lower spatial resolution (important question in territories such as pulmonary and coronary arteries, and small intracranial vessels), less availability and contraindications to the technique. As this technique is continuously evolving, it is feasible to see a growing use in vascular diseases, reserving conventional arteriography to interventional procedures.