[Magnetic resonance angiography of the head and neck area].

Magnetic resonance angiography is a noninvasive method in vascular imaging using non-contrast-enhanced and contrast-enhanced techniques. The contrast media used in contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography are different from the X-ray contrast media and do not affect the thyroid gland or renal function. In detecting hyper-vascularized lesions in the head and neck, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography is the method of choice, which provides an acceptable quality in comparison to digital subtraction angiography. Future developments in magnetic resonance imaging techniques will cause a wider use of magnetic resonance angiography, especially in head and neck imaging. Digital subtraction angiography should therefore only be used in problem cases and for preoperative embolization.