Comparative study on the imaging of intracranial aneurysms

Objective To compare the clinical application value of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), computerized tomography angiography (CTA) and digital substraction angiography (DSA) in the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms, and to explore more reasonable and accurate methods for assessment of intracranial aneurysms. Methods One hundred and thirty-five patients with intracranial aneurysm were all confirmed by DSA. Among them 86 cases accepted CTA, 22 cases accepted MRA, and 9 cases accepted CTA and MRA. Results Fifty-six cases of aneurysm were detected by MRA. In 27 aneurysms with diameter ≥ 5 mm, the coincidence rate with DSA was 96.30% (26/27), while in 29 aneurysms with diameter 5 mm, the coincidence rate with DSA was 37.93% (11/29). The differences among groups were significant (χ2 = 18.914, P = 0.000). One hundred and ten cases of aneurysm were detected by CTA. There were 104 aneurysms with diameter ≥ 2 mm, and the coincidence rate with DSA was 96.15% (100/104). Diameter 2 mm was seen in 6 aneurysms and the coincidence rate with DSA was 16.67% (1/6). The differences among groups were significant (χ2 = 36.959, P = 0.000). Conclusion In certain conditions, MRA and CTA are able to diagnosis intracranial aneurysms, and they are comparable with DSA. CTA can be especially used for the first choice of detection method in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage, it can decrease the cost and reduce complications.