The clinical application of 64-slice spiral CT angiography in carotid artery bifurcation disease

Objective To explore the clinical value of 64-slice spiral CT angiography(CTA) in carotid stenosis and atherosclerotic plaque. Methods 40 patients (80 carotid arteries) underwent CTA and DSA. These two examinations within one week. The results of CTA were compared with that of DSA,the sensitivity and specificity of CTA and DSA were figured out. Results CTA performed well in the detection of mild (0% to 29%) carotid stenosis, as well as carotid occlusion, with values for sensitivity and specificity both near 100%. In determining that a stenosis was50% by DSA measurement, CTA with a sensitivity, specificity of 89% and 91% respectively. While CTA was quite specific in identifying degrees of stenoses in either the 50% to 69% or the 70% to 99% ranges, in this task it was much less sensitive: 65% and 73% respectively. CTA can detect all kinds of ulcers while DSA can not. Conclusions 64-slice CTA and DSA were correctly identified in detecting carotid stenosis. CTA could demonstrate ulcers associated with the carotid stenosis, but DSA only show stenosis.