Subtraction CT angiography with controlled-orbit helical scanning for detection of intracranial aneurysms.

PURPOSE Our goal was to evaluate the utility of subtraction three-dimensional CT angiography for the detection of intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS Thirty-six patients with intracranial aneurysms were examined using newly devised controlled-orbit helical scanning and conventional angiography. Three-dimensional CT angiograms and subtraction 3-D CT angiograms were compared with conventional angiograms for their characterization of intracranial aneurysms.

RESULTS Fifty aneurysms were depicted on conventional angiograms, of which 48 (96%) were seen on the 3-D CT angiograms. Three-dimensional CT angiography was superior or equivalent to conventional angiography for depicting the shape, direction, and location of 33 (66%) of 50 aneurysms; however, it was often less useful than conventional angiography in delineating intracranial aneurysms adjacent to bone. Subtraction 3-D CT angiograms were obtained in 32 patients with a total of 46 aneurysms (in four cases, aneurysms were not depicted owing to excessive motion artifacts), and were superior or equivalent to conventional angiograms in all 46 cases.

CONCLUSIONS Subtraction 3-D CT angiography with the use of controlled-orbit helical scanning is effective in the detection of intracranial aneurysms.