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Can scans detect small vessels and microvascular issues?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Does MRA show arterioles? Does CTA show small vessels? Can SPECT tell microvasculitis from vasospasm in micro vessel? Do arterioles and capillaries feel pain?

Please advise.
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read through your query in detail. Please find my observations below.

  1. A machine having high-power magnet might be able to show arterioles in MRA (magnetic resonance angiography).
  2. A CTA (Computed tomography angiography) might show small vessels but not exactly arterioles.
  3. It is difficult to differentiate perfusion abnormalities in microvasculitis from that of vasospasm by SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography).
  4. Pain is a sensation that is understood by the brain and it can have a source in arterioles and capillaries.

I hope this answers your query.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At April 3, 2016
Reviewed At August 6, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Companion

Microvascular Scans Companion

How it works

Microvascular issues can be complex. Here's a breakdown of how different imaging techniques work and what they can (and cannot) show regarding your small blood vessels.

1

Understanding
Microvessels

2

MRA
Arterioles

3

CTA
Small vessels

4

SPECT
Limitations

5

Vessel
Pain

6

Imaging
Challenges

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.
Dr. Vivek Chail
Dr. Vivek Chail

General Practitioner

Consult this doctor

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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