MR Angiography of Peripheral Vessels What is MRI angiography of peripheral vessels? This MRI scan allows detailed visualization of blood vessels in the abdomen and legs. The angiographic images are similar in resolution obtained by the standar catheter angiography. However, unlike catheter angiography, MRI angiography does not use iodinated contrast (which has known side effects) nor does the technique require puncture of an artery (only a small arm IV is needed. With MR angiography, the patient simply lies on the MRI scanner table for 45 minutes while scans are obtained. There is no need for sedation or placement of tubes. What patients benefit from this test? Patients with leg pain that worsens with walking (claudication) or patients with high blood pressure where a narrowed renal artery is suspected. What should I expect after the procedure? After the 40 minute test, you can get dressed and immediately return to normal activity. There are no lingering side effects from MRI scanning. Magnetic Resonance angiography of Peripheral vessels is available at the following locations: California Advanced Imaging at CPMC (San Francisco) Mills Peninsula (San Mateo County) Seton Medical Center (San Mateo County) Marin Magnetic Imaging (Marin County)