Extracranial Carotid Artery Disease

Abstract Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is a noninvasive means for studying the integrity of the vascular system. This unit presents a basic protocol describing an MRA technique for imaging the carotid arteries, time‐of‐flight MRA, and an for contrast‐enhanced MRA. A second basic protocol based on high‐resolution spin‐echo scanning is also described. This protocol can be used to study the vessel wall in more detail. The parameters given here are derived from experience at 1.5 T and may need to be altered slightly depending on the field strength and the equipment manufacturer. In particular, optimal TE may vary with different field strength.