[Application of 3D-CT angiography in the diagnosis and post-operative evaluation of intracranial aneurysms].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the values of three-dimensional CT (3D-CT) angiography (3D-CTA) in the diagnosis and operative follow up of intracranial aneurysms after clip. METHODS: 3D-CTA and DSA were performed on 32 patients with clinical manifestations suggestive of harboring intracranial aneurysms. DSA and operation were regarded as gold standards. Five patients who had been treated with clip underwent CTA both preoperatively and postoperatively to evaluate the effects of aneurysm clipping. RESULTS: According to DSA results and surgical findings, the sensitivity, specificity, and the accuracy of 3D-CTA for the detection of aneurysms were 100%, 100%, and 93.9% respectively. The detection rate of aneurysm with a diameter<3 mm of CTA, with the smallest diameter of 2 mm, was higher than that of DSA, however, there was no significant difference in the detection rate of aneurysm with the diameter>3 mm between CTA and DSA. Postoperative CTA displayed a remnant of aneurysm body in one case. CONCLUSION: With satisfying sensitivity and specificity, 3D-CTA is a quick, reliable, and relatively noninvasive diagnostic tool for intracranial aneurysms. 3D-CTA combined with VR delineates the aneurysmal morphology in detail, and provides useful information for choosing and planning microsurgical or endovascular treatment.