Application of combined reconstruction techniques of spiral CT for diagnosing aortic aneurysms

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of spiral CT angiography for aortic aneurysms. Methods Fifteen patients with aortic aneurysms were scanned by spiral CT. 4 D,3 D (shaded surface display), MPR (multiplanar reconstruction), MIP (maximum intensity projection) and CTVE(CT virtual endoscopy) were used. Results 4 D and 3 D showed the panorama of lesion, size and extent of aneurysm, intimal flap of dissection and the relation with arterial branches,especially the location of laceration. MPR could display murral thrombus, intimal flap, ture and false lumen. MIP could show the wall calcification ,extent and shape of aortic aneurysms clearly. CTVE could reveal the ture and false lumen, intimal flap and stenosis of arterial branches. Conclusion Application of combined techniques of spiral CT can basically replace X ray angiography in diagnosis of aortic aneurysms.It provides another reliable diagnostic method, and has clinical importance for treatment, especially for emergency surgery.