Comparative study of 3D-CTA and DSA in the diagnosis and treatment of intracranial aneurysms

Objective To compare the clinical value of three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography(3D-DSA), three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography (3D-CTA) and conventional DSA(2D-DSA) in the diagnosis and treatment of Intracranial aneurysms. Methods The data of 3D-DSA, 3D-CTA, 2D-DSA and operation of 32 patients with Intracranial aneurysms were reviewed, retrospectively. Results 35 aneurysms were detected by 3D-DSA and correlated well with microsurgical findings. The shape of the aneurysms, their neck size and their relationships to the parent vessels and other branches were depicted clearly, especially compared with images obtained by 3D-CTA and 2D-DSA. 33 aneurysms were detected by 3D-CTA. 32 aneurysms were detected by 2D-DSA. Aneurysms' body, neck, parent artery and the relationship between the aneurysms and surrounding structures (bone) were clearly and surely displayed by 3D-CTA. Conclusion 3D-CTA is a sensitivity and rapid and noninvasive method for detecting aneurysms. 3D-CTA can be the first choice for diagnosing Intracranial aneurysms without performing 2D-DSA. During CT for ruptured aneurysms, a negative 3D-CTA should be investigated further by 3D-DSA. 3D-DSA should be performed in cases of multiple intracranial aneurysms with complex shapes or very small size. 3D-DSA should be the gold standard for detecting intracranial aneurysms. Key words: Intracranial aneurysms;  Digital subtraction angiography;  Computed tomographic angiography;  Microsurgery