Value of MSCTA and DSA in rabbit carotid artery stenosis models

Objective To evaluate the value of multi-slice helical computed tomography angiography (MSCTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the rabbit carotid artery stenosis model.Methods The carotid artery atherosclerotic stenosis model was induced by putting an improved silicone collar into the tunica adventitia of carotid arteries, followed by high lipid diet feeding for 2 weeks in 20 male New Zealand white rabbits. MSCTA and DSA were performed in the rabbits. Another 10 rabbits were used as control group. Results Both MSCTA and DSA showed the location, range, extent and shape of carotid artery stenosis in rabbits. MSCTA had higher sensitivity but lower specificity in the diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis than DSA.Conclusions MSCTA, as DSA, can evaluate the location and the extent of carotid artery stenosis.