Objective: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), which can cause mortality and severe morbidity, is a serious condition whose underlying cause must be determined. We aimed to compare 2D digital subtraction angiography (2DDSA), rotational angiography (RA) and 3D volume rendering digital subtraction angiography (3DVRDSA) for detecting aneurysms and their morphological properties in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Materials and methods: After an initial diagnosis of SAH with computed tomography, 122 patients (52 males and 70 females with a mean age of 47.77 +/- 12.81 ranging between 20 and 83 years) underwent 2DDSA imaging, RA and 3DVRDSA imaging for detection of aneurysms. The location of the aneurysm, the best working angles, the dome/neck ratios, the largest diameter of the aneurysm, the shape of the aneurysm, the presence of spasms or pseudostenoses, and the relationship to the neighboring arteries were recorded. Results: 2DDSA missed 15.6% of the aneurysms that had a mean size of 2.79 +/- 0.74 mm. RA was superior to 2DDSA for detecting aneurysm neck, and 3DVRDSA was superior to RA for detecting aneurysm neck. 3DVRDSA conclusively depicted the shape of the aneurysms in all patients. 3DVRDSA imaging was superior to 2DDSA and RA in the detection of the aneurysm relationship to neighboring arteries. The sensitivity and specificity of 3DVRDSA imaging for the detection of vasospasms were 100 and 84%, respectively. Conclusions: 3DVRDSA imaging is superior to 2DDSA and RA for detecting intracranial aneurysms and their morphological properties, especially those of small, ruptured aneurysms. However, 2DDSA should not be neglected in cases of vasospasm. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.