MR Angiography (Native)

Non-contrast MR angiography using time-of-flight technique. Evaluates intracranial or peripheral arterial circulation without radiation or iodinated contrast injection.

Native MR angiography uses time-of-flight (TOF) or phase-contrast techniques to visualise arterial blood flow without the need for intravenous contrast administration. The flowing blood itself provides the signal contrast against stationary background tissue, producing angiographic images of the target vascular territory. The most common application is intracranial MRA to evaluate the circle of Willis, middle cerebral, anterior cerebral, posterior cerebral, and basilar arteries for aneurysms, stenoses, and vascular malformations. It is also used for screening patients with a family history of subarachnoid haemorrhage and for follow-up of known aneurysms under surveillance. Because no contrast agent is administered, the examination is safe for patients with renal impairment and carries no risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. At 3,000 CZK, this is a cost-effective add-on to a brain MRI for patients who want combined structural and vascular assessment of the intracranial circulation.