ACR–ASNR–SNIS–SPR Practice Parameter for the Performance of Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) of the Head and Neck
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: AIM/OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND: This practice parameter was revised collaboratively by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the American Society of Neuroradiology (ASNR), the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS), and the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR). This practice parameter provides a consensus-based guide for the safe, effective performance and interpretation of MRA imaging in the head and neck for adults and children. METHODS: This parameter was revised according to the process described under the heading The Process for Developing ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards on the ACR website (https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Practice-Parameters-and-Technical-Standards) by the Committee on Practice Parameters – Neuroradiology of the ACR Commission on Neuroradiology, the Committee on Practice Parameters – Interventional and Cardiovascular Radiology of the ACR Commission on Interventional and Cardiovascular Radiology, and the Committee on Practice Parameters – Pediatric Radiology of the ACR Commission on Pediatric Radiology in collaboration with the ASNR, the SNIS, and the SPR. RESULTS: The document outlines practice parameters for performing MRA in the head and neck in both adults and children. It reviews the clinical indications for imaging and elaborates on the major imaging techniques with advice for imaging optimization, equipment requirements, reporting standards and potential pediatric adaptations emphasizing consistent practice, patient safety, and the role of evolving technology in neurovascular diagnosis. It is intended to form an educational framework rather than reflect rigid standard of care. CONCLUSIONS: This practice parameter promotes standardized, safe, and clinically effective use of head and neck MRA, ensuring high-quality cerebrovascular imaging while allowing flexibility for evolving technology and individual patient needs.
DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a9108
Institutions: Mount Sinai Health System, Emory University, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Miami, Baptist Health South Florida, Lurie Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, University of Utah
Language: English
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7140696575