Cerebral aneurysms: detection and delineation using 3-D-CT angiography.

PURPOSE We compared three-dimensional image (3-D-CT) angiography with conventional angiography to determine the clinical usefulness of this technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied 15 patients with cerebral aneurysms using dynamic CT with intravenous injection of contrast material and reconstructed 3-D-CT angiography.

RESULTS 3-D-CT angiography could be performed in conjunction with standard axial high-resolution CT without any additional scanning time and within 10-30 minutes for the overall study. All aneurysms were clearly visualized by 3-D-CT angiography. 3-D-reconstruction was very helpful in demonstrating the neck, shape, and direction of aneurysms, and adjacent vascular and bony structures. One small aneurysm that was difficult to detect on axial images was clearly visualized on 3-D-reconstruction.

CONCLUSION 3-D-CT angiography of cerebral aneurysms could be performed routinely and was helpful in demonstrating the complex anatomy of cerebral aneurysms and surrounding structures. This technique will be of value in surgical planning.