Evaluation of the circle of Willis with three-dimensional CT angiography in patients with suspected intracranial aneurysms.

PURPOSE To determine the usefulness of CT angiography in the setting of suspected acute subarachnoid hemorrhage or intracranial aneurysm.

METHODS We prospectively studied 68 patients suspected of having subarachnoid hemorrhage or an intracranial aneurysm with noncontrast CT of the head followed immediately by contrast-enhanced helical CT of the circle of Willis with three-dimensional reconstruction. Twenty-seven patients with CT findings positive for subarachnoid hemorrhage or intracranial aneurysm were evaluated with digital subtraction angiography or MR angiography within 12 hours of CT angiography. Patients with negative CT/CT angiography findings were followed up with lumbar puncture.

RESULTS CT angiography showed 23 of 24 aneurysms and 2 of 2 arteriovenous malformations (sensitivity, 96%; specificity, 100%). Aneurysm size ranged from 2 to 40 mm (mean, 7.9 mm). Interobserver variability was 10%. In the 23 cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage, cisternal blood did not limit the three-dimensional reconstruction. Two patients with aneurysms on CT angiography had normal noncontrast scans.

CONCLUSIONS CT angiography of the circle of Willis is a useful technique for evaluation of suspected acute subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracranial aneurysm. It provides anatomic display of intracranial aneurysms, allowing for planning of conventional angiography and surgical approach. In selected cases, CT angiography may eliminate the need for preoperative conventional angiography.