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Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA) of Vessels

Image of MRA of vessels

Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the normal smooth appearance of the large blood vessel (aorta) that carries blood from the heart.

Figure 3 shows a narrowed and abnormal aorta from the buildup of calcium and fat (cholesterol) in the inner lining of the artery, often called "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis).

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
Last Revised June 30, 2010

Last Revised: June 30, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology

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