Interactive 3D stereoscopic digital-image analysis of the basilar artery bifurcation.

ABSTRACT

The goal of this study was to analyze morphometrical variations of the basilar artery bifurcation (BAB), so that physicians could map out a patients anatomical structure prior to delicate neurosurgical procedures. The CT-angio files of 98 patients ranging from 12 to 78 years of age were retrieved. These files were evaluated using Gradual Angiographic Image Data Analyzer (GAIDA) software, where a new interactive three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic visualization method was used to reconstruct computer images of the BAB complex. Subsequently the measurements of the BAB angles and BAB distances in relation to the dorsum sellae (DS), posterior clinoid processes (PCPs), and posterior biclinoid plane (PBP) were carried out. The average BAB angle was determined to be 117.7 degrees (30.93 degrees -172.2 degrees ). The three types of BAB were classified as type T with a BAB angle greater than 145 degrees (mean 154.4 degrees ), type Y for an angle being equal or less than 145 degrees but greater than 100 degrees (mean 121.5 degrees ) and type V for angles less than 100 degrees (mean 83.28 degrees ). The mean distances between BAB and DS (9.55 mm), BAB and left PCP (12.97 mm), and BAB and right PCP (13.01 mm), BAB and PBP (2.2 mm) were evaluated. Furthermore, the BAB is of great importance when examining basilar artery aneurysm development, particularly at the point of greatest hemodynamic stress, as well as the BAB distances in relation to the bony landmarks used for different approach methods in neurosurgical procedures.