What is the Aortic Arch?

The aortic arch is one part of the cardiovascular system, which forms in the chest, giving off a curved structure connecting the ascending aorta to the descending aorta. The curved structure then provides the pathway for the oxygenated blood to go to the rest of the body. Here’s more about its anatomy and function:

Anatomy of Aortic Arch

• Position: The aortic arch is positioned on top of the heart and curves to the left and posteriorly from the ascending aorta before it descends into the thoracic (chest) region. It is therefore considered to be the transitional part of the aorta between the ascending and descending portions.
• Shape: As the name suggests, the aortic arch has an arch-like shape as it curves over the heart and towards the back.
• Major Arteries: The aortic arch provides three large arteries for blood supply to the upper extremities of the body;
• Brachiocephalic Trunk: This is the first and largest to bifurcate into the right subclavian artery, that will provide blood to the right arm, and the right common carotid, supplying the right side of the head and neck,
• Left Common Carotid Artery: This one will provide blood supply to the left side of the head and neck.
• Left Subclavian Artery: It provides the left arm.

Role of Aortic Arch

1. Distribution of Oxygenated Blood: The heart pumps oxygenated blood into the ascending aorta, which flows into the aortic arch. The blood then distributes to the head, neck, and arms through its three branches.
2. Regulation of Blood Pressure: As part of systemic circulation, the aortic arch ensures that there is adequate blood pressure and flow to the vital organs.

Clinical Significance of Aortic Arch

1. There are several conditions that affect the aortic arch.
2. Aortic Aneurysm: This is when the aorta balloons or is dilated, which will rupture if left untreated.
3. Aortic Dissection: There is a tear in the inside lining of the aorta, and blood flows between the two layers, potentially leading to life-threatening complications
4. Aortic Stenosis: This is a narrowing of the aorta that can interfere with blood flow to necessary organs.
5. Congenital Malformations: Some people are born with abnormal aortic arch structures, such as a right-sided aortic arch or aortic coarctation (narrowing of the aorta).
6. Imaging techniques such as MR Angiography are generally used for its diagnosis and monitoring.

What is MR Angiography?

MR Angiography or MRA, also is defined as a non-invasive imaging technique that employs the combination of magnetic fields and radio frequency waves to observe both vessels and blood flow everywhere around the body. Specifically, it is an area within Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI focused particularly in the vascular system.

 How MR Angiography Works

MR Angiography offers high-resolution images of blood vessels without surgical or invasive procedures. It uses the same principles as regular MRI but has been developed to be more specific to view arteries and veins. It works this way:

1. Magnetic Field and Radio Waves: MRA uses a very powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce high-resolution images of the body. When placed inside the MRI scanner, the magnetic field aligns the hydrogen atoms in the body, particularly those in the water molecules.
2. Contrast Agent: Gadolinium-based contrast agent is administered in a vein as an injection and allows blood vessels to enhance on images. It allows the blood vessels to show clearly against their background tissues.
3. Signal Detection: The signals emanating from the disturbed hydrogen atoms are detected by MRI and, using those signals, high resolution images of the blood vessel are built.

Application of MR Angiography

The purpose of MR Angiography is usually the assessment of blood vessels to diagnose vascular diseases. It finds most common applications in these aspects:

1. Detection of Aneurysms: MRA is most commonly used to look for the presence of vascular aneurysms, the abnormal dilations of a vessel that could rupture unless otherwise treated. It also involves the arteries, which includes the aorta among them.
2. Assessment of Atherosclerosis: MRA can identify plaque buildup in arteries, which is one of the leading causes of atherosclerosis that causes narrowing of arteries and may eventually cause cardiovascular disease, including heart attack or stroke.
3. Aortic Disorders: MRA can be used to evaluate the aorta, including diagnosing aortic aneurysms or aortic dissections, two conditions that may cause fatal ruptures.

Benefits of MR Angiography for Aortic Arch Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Angiography, or MRA for short, is an advanced imaging technology that has numerous advantages when it comes to aortic arch and its branches’ visualization. Some of these advantages include:

1. Non-invasive procedure

• No Need for Catheterization: Unlike with traditional angiography, catheter placement is not involved in MR Angiography. This means that the patients are free from the hazards of catheter placement; thus, it is considered safer.
• Less Complications: MRA does not require the insertion of instruments inside the body. This minimizes the risk of complications such as infections, bleeding, and vascular damage.

2. No Ionizing Radiation

• Safer for Repeated Imaging: Because MR Angiography is not using X-rays, patients are not exposed to ionizing radiation. This is the safer modality for use in patients who may require repeat imaging studies, including patients with known aortic conditions and those at high risk for future aneurysm development, including family history of aneurysms.
• Ideal for Vulnerable Populations: For patients who require multiple investigations or are at higher risk-for example, pregnant patients-MRA is a safer alternative to CT angiography with radiation exposure.

3. High-Resolution and Detailed Imaging

• Clear Visualization of Aortic Pathologies: MRA provides high-resolution, detailed images of the aortic arch and its branches, effectively detecting conditions like aortic aneurysms, dissections, stenosis (narrowing of the aorta), and congenital abnormalities.
• Visualization of Complex Vascular Anatomy: MRA can capture the full extent of vascular abnormalities, including subtle changes in the aortic arch that might not be as clearly visualized with other imaging modalities.

4. Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

• Detailed Mapping of Aortic Diseases: MRA enables doctors to measure the diameter, contour, and anatomy of aortic aneurysms or dissections, which helps in formulating surgical or interventional plans, such as the placement of stents or grafts.
• Detection of Blockages in Blood Flow: MRA is useful for identifying regions of blood flow restriction caused by atherosclerosis, stenosis, or other blockages in the aortic arch and its various branches.
• Post-surgical outcome evaluation : It may be applied for monitoring the status of repair of aorta or for the placements of stent. Thus, it assures that intervention was successful with no complication, such as re-narrowing or further dissection.

1. 1. 5. Contrast related complications may not be faced in most cases

• Test Type: MR Angiography Aortic Arch
• Preparation:
• Wear a loose-fitting cloth
• Fasting not required
• Carry Your ID Proof
• Prescription is mandatory for patients with a doctor’s sign, stamp, with DMC/HMC number; as per PC-PNDT Act
• Reports Time: With in 4-6 hours
• Test Price: Rs.12000

How to book an appointment for a MR Angiography Aortic Arch?

To schedule an appointment for MR Angiography Aortic Arch, simply contact Medintu or call our customer care at +919100907036 or +919100907622 for more details and queries. 

What is MR Angiography?

MR Angiography (MRA) is a non-invasive imaging technique that applies magnetic fields and radiofrequency waves to visualize blood vessels. The images of the aortic arch can be acquired very well without the need to resort to invasive procedures and without radiation.

Why is MR Angiography used to image the aortic arch?

MRA is used to diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the aortic arch, such as aneurysms, dissections, stenosis, and atherosclerosis. It helps detect abnormalities, plan surgeries, and track disease progression, ensuring timely intervention when necessary.

How does MR Angiography work?

MR Angiography uses a very strong magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to produce clear images of the blood vessels. A contrast agent is given, in most cases gadolinium, which will help the blood vessels in the aortic arch become better seen for imaging.

What are the advantages of MR Angiography for the imaging of the aortic arch?

• Non-invasive: No need for catheter insertion, making it safer and reducing the risk of complications.
• No radiation: MRA does not use ionizing radiation, which makes it ideal for patients who require repeated imaging.
• High-resolution imaging: Provides detailed images of the aortic arch and its branches, helping to detect even subtle abnormalities.
• Comprehensive assessment: It depicts the entire aorta and its branches, which is helpful in the diagnosis and treatment planning for a variety of vascular conditions.

Is MR Angiography safe?

Yes, MR Angiography is considered safe for most patients. It does not involve ionizing radiation, and it carries fewer risks compared to invasive procedures. However, it may not be suitable for patients with certain metal implants or pacemakers. Always inform your healthcare provider about any implants before the procedure.

Does MR Angiography require any special preparation?

Generally, no special preparation is needed for MR Angiography. If a contrast agent is used, patients are advised to refrain from eating or drinking for some hours before the procedure. Also, any metal objects such as jewelry would need to be removed for the scan.

How long does an MR Angiography procedure take?

It is usually a 30-to-60 minute procedure, but this depends on the complexity of the imaging as well as whether or not contrast will be used.