Evaluation of angiographic computed tomography in the follow-up after endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms--a comparative study with DSA and TOF-MRA

Eur Radiol. 2009 Feb;19(2):430-6. doi: 10.1007/s00330-008-1171-y. Epub 2008 Sep 23.

Abstract

Following coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms, many centers perform at least one digital subtraction angiography (DSA) continuing with time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA). Angiographic computed tomography (ACT) provides high-resolution data from a rotational acquisition of a c-arm-mounted flat panel detector. This study evaluates possible advantages of applying ACT in aneurysm follow-up. In 22 patients DSA examinations with a rotational acquisition were performed. Rotational data were processed into an isotropic high-resolution volume. TOF-MRA was performed the day before DSA. Three experienced neuroradiologists performed a rating of the occlusion rate and a subjective method comparison. Weighted kappa statistics were calculated to assess the level of interobserver agreement. Compared to DSA, the diagnostic value of ACT as well as of TOF-MRA was rated to be inferior, although the sensitivity of detecting residual necks was higher with both techniques. Compared to TOF-MRA, ACT achieves favorable ratings only in aneurysms after stent-remodeling. Interobserver agreement was high for all techniques. Ratings of the occlusion rate correlated highly between all observers (r>0.85, p<0.001, respectively). In selected patients ACT can add valuable diagnostic information to DSA. TOF-MRA remains a highly sensitive method for aneurysm follow-up.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Angiography, Digital Subtraction / methods*
  • Cerebral Angiography / methods*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / pathology
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / therapy*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Observer Variation
  • Stents