The application of 16-slice spiral CT angiography in the diagnosis of intracranial diseases

Objective:To study the role of 16-slice spiral CT angiography in the diagnosis of intracranial diseases.Methods:35 patients suspected of cerebral vascular diseases and intracranial tumors were examined prospectively with 16-slice spiral CT angiography. The raw data was performed 3D reconstruction with MIP, VR in all cases and with Fly-through in 11 cerebral aneurysms. We analyzed the cerebral vascular showed by CTA and compared with DSA and/or operation.Results:①In 35 cases, 1～4 cerebral artery branches were displayed on 3D images.②The vascular in 7 cases examined by both CTA and DSA were normal.③CTA were identical to DSA in the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms in 11 patients and CTA was better than DSA in displaying aneurysm neck. The size of the aneurysms body in 3 of 6 cases on CTA images were smaller than that of in operation. ④Seven of 8 cases of vascular malformation were operated. In 6 cases the results of CTA and operation were same in vascular malformation, feeding arteries and draining veins. one case was misdiagnosed by CTA. In 5 of 8 cases examined by DSA, only 3 were detected and 2 were normal. ⑤In the 8 intracranial tumors, CTA results were same as the surgery in displaying the size, location and the relationship between tumor with near vessels and skull.⑥CTA clearly show sinus embolism in 1 case.Conclusion:16-slice spiral CTA is non-invasive , fast and highly sensitive for some intracranial diseases. It can get the concept of actual structure and can display lesions in different orientation and angle. CTA is an important and effective technique in diagnosis of cerebral vessel disease and intracranial tumors.