MR venography (MRV) is a non-invasive MRI technique that images the veins — most often the veins draining the brain, or the deep veins of the pelvis and legs — without catheters or ionizing radiation.
Also called: MRV · Magnetic resonance venography
What does MRV evaluate?
MRV is used when the question is venous rather than arterial.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
- Venous insufficiency
- Pelvic and calf vein abnormalities
- Varicose veins
When is MRV ordered?
Physicians commonly order MRV for unexplained headaches with suspected venous obstruction, suspected clot in the deep or cerebral veins, and evaluation of chronic venous symptoms in the legs and pelvis.
How is MRV done, and when is ultrasound used instead?
Two techniques capture flowing blood. Time-of-flight makes incoming blood appear bright while the surrounding tissue is suppressed. Steady-state free precession is generally used for veins in the chest, abdomen and pelvis.
For veins in the legs, ultrasound is usually the first test — it is quick, radiation-free and widely available. MRV earns its place deeper in the body: it is more effective than ultrasound at detecting clot in the pelvic and calf veins, where ultrasound struggles to see clearly.
How do I prepare?
Standard MRI preparation applies. Tell us about kidney conditions if contrast is planned.
Where can I get this exam?
MRI Venography is available at all nine of our west-central Florida centers. One call reaches every location — we will schedule you wherever the soonest opening is, usually the same week.
Schedule an exam Find your location
Medically reviewed by the board-certified radiologists of MRI Associates · Updated 2026-08-25