The Use of 3D-CT-Angiography in the Diagnostic Procedure of Intracranial Aneurysms Evaluated

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Purpose: With improving quality of images obtained by 3D-CT-Angiography, this procedure may promise to become a powerful tool in intracranial aneurysm diagnostic. We have evaluated this method comparatively between angiographic and intra-operative findings.
Method: Forty-one patients were examined by cerebral angiography and 3D-Angio-CT. Radiological findings were evaluated by neuroradiologists and neurosurgeons. Intra-operative findings were documented by video or photography.
Results: All angiographically proven aneurysms were also visualized by 3D-Angio-CT. In over sixty percent of cases 3D-Angio-CT showed the aneurysmal anatomy equally well to angiography or presented valuable additional information not obtainable by angiography. In complex aneurysms as well as in aneurysms of the posterior circulation, the additional information offered by 3D-Angio-CT was most valuable. Intra-operative anatomical findings showed a high correlation with 3D-images.
Conclusion: In our experience 3D-Angio-CT proved to be a powerful tool in the diagnostic procedure of intracranial aneurysms, either in the acute or non-acute phase. In many cases 3D-images present valuable additional information not otherwise obtainable, especially in complex aneurysms and aneurysms of the posterior circulation. In selected cases neurosurgical therapy can be planned on 3D-images alone. Nonetheless conventional cerebral angiography remains the gold standard in diagnostic management of intracranial aneurysms.