Physicians turn to MRA scans to investigate the possible presence of plaque in the arterial system.

MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) is specifically designed to identify plaque in the arterial system and to determine degrees of narrowing. It can also highlight so-called vulnerable plaques that may not noticeably limit blood flow, but have the potential to suddenly rupture and unexpectedly close an artery. A variety of treatment options exist once an advanced blockage has been identified. Physicians can prescribe medications and lifestyle changes, recommend nonsurgical interventions such as a balloon or stent angioplasty, or refer the patient to a surgeon for a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure. Given the ability of the MRA to noninvasively diagnose coronary artery disease, physicians are increasingly likely to adopt it as a diagnostic tool. However, angiography, the traditional invasive approach, will likely remain a significant part of our armamentarium through its therapeutic applications.