MRI might be a better soft tissue visualizer than ultrasonography and CT, but its limitations limit its usage as a screening tool and as a diagnostic tool during emergencies like ruptured AAA. However its advantages makes it a good alternative in AAA patients with poor renal function and in elective preoperative evaluation of unruptured AAA^[1].

• MRI may be helpful in stable patients with a severe dye allergy, where CT scanning is contraindicated.
• MRI provides imaging of the aorta comparable to that with CT scanning and ultrasonogram without subjecting the patient to dye load or ionizing radiation.
• MRI also provides superior imaging of branch vessels compared with CT scan or ultrasonogram^[2].
• MRI is a more precise preoperative evaluator and affords immediate post operative evaluation of surgical repair of AAA^[3].

• Lack of widespread availability
• Need for a stable patient
• More sensitive to motion than CT, thus requiring the patient to remain motionless for a longer period of time
• Incompatible with monitoring equipment
• High cost
• Less valuable in assessing suprarenal extension of aneurysm
• Less accurate than thin-slice CT^[2]

Cardiology