Diagnostic value of three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography in intracranial aneurysms

Objective To evaluate the value of three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (3D DSA) in diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms. Methods From January 2001 to June 2004, two-dimensional angiography and three-dimensional angiography were performed in 49 patients with confirmed or suspected aneurysms, and the effects of 2D DSA and 3D DSA were analyzed and compared. Results 47 patients with 53 aneurysms were identified with 3D DSA. Compared with 2D DSA, 3D DSA could clearly show the aneurysm shape, the aneurysm neck and its relationship with the parent artery, and exactly judge the size of the neck and the body of aneurysm. In addition, 3D DSA was superior to 2D DSA in diagnosis of tiny and complicated aneurysms. Conclusion 3D DSA can provide more valuable information of intracranial aneurysms than 2D DSA does, and promote the diagnostic accuracy of intracranial aneurysms.