The Role of Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Diagnosis of Cerebrovascular Diseases

Background: Cerebrovascular diseases are among the leading causes of mortality and disability globally, often resulting in ischemic or hemorrhagic events that impair neurological function. Accurate and early diagnosis is crucial for the effective management of conditions such as steno-occlusive arterial disease, cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and Moyamoya disease. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) provides a non-invasive, radiation-free technique to visualize cerebral vessels and plays a pivotal role in clinical decision-making and follow-up assessment. Objective: To identify the diagnostic utility of magnetic resonance angiography in the evaluation of cerebral vascular disease. Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted at Lahore General Hospital over four months following ethical approval. A total of 114 patients aged 3 to 63 years were included through non-probability convenient sampling. Patients presenting with symptoms such as dizziness, severe headache, or memory loss underwent 3.0 Tesla MRI scans. Demographic data, clinical history, and MRA findings—including stenosis severity, aneurysm presence, and plaque formation—were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24 to evaluate diagnostic outcomes and prevalence patterns. Results: The mean age of patients was 34.37 ± 14.74 years, with 48 males (42.1%) and 66 females (57.9%). MRA revealed mild stenosis in 32 patients (28.1%), moderate stenosis in 46 (40.4%), and severe stenosis in 25 (21.9%). Aneurysms were detected in 41 patients (36.0%), while calcified plaques were observed in 80 (70.2%). Overall, 73 individuals (64.0%) were diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease based on MRA findings. Conclusion: Magnetic resonance angiography proved to be a reliable and non-invasive imaging modality for the early detection and evaluation of cerebrovascular pathology, offering significant clinical value in identifying aneurysms, stenosis, and plaque burden.