Value of CT angiography in diagnosis of cerebral artery aneurysms

Purpose: In a clinical study 35 patients with intracranial aneurysms were examined using CT-angiography, MR-angiography (MRA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA), The aim of the study was to establish the ability of noninvasive techniques to detect intracranial aneurysms. Material and methods: The CT examinations were performed using a spiral CT scanner and the MR investigations with a 1.5 T whole body MR-system. We used for MR-angiography Time of Flight (TOF) and Phase Contrast (PC)techniques. For postprocessing reconstructions modalities Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP), Surface and Volume Rendering Technique (VRT) techniques were used. The results were evaluated by the intraoperative findings. Results: Aneurysms up to 5 mm could be detected best using CIA and DSA. Giant aneurysms could be evaluated best using CTA. Volume rendering technique was the most useful postprocessing procedure. MRA using Time of Flight was superior compared with MRA using PC technique. Conclusion: CTA is the best method to detect and to evaluate giant intracranial aneurysms. Nevertheless the reconstruction mode has a decisive influence on the results.