Purpose: To identify advantages when using the new multislice spiral CT technology (MSCT) for the detection and demonstration of intracranial aneurysms with CT angiography (CTA)?
Material and methods: Patients with suspected intracranial aneurysms underwent 4- and 8-slice spiral CTA. Image postprocessing included "maximum intensity projection" (MIP),"volume rendering" (VR) and additionally curved multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) for aneurysms suspected at the carotid siphon. The results were compared with those achieved with digital subtraction angiography (DSA).
Results: In 19 patients 21 out of 22 aneurysms were detected by CTA. A high resolution three-dimensional view of the aneurysm morphology in spatial relation to the surrounding structures was achieved. Further information could be gained by making a detailed examination of the inside wall of the aneurysm, using virtual vascular 3D-endoscopy and virtual 3D-craniotomy.
Conclusion: Compared to DSA,MS-CTA is a useful additional and in selected cases alternative modality for the detection with marked advantages in the demonstration of intracranial aneurysms.