Evaluation for residual aneurysms by three- dimensional digital subtraction angiography after intracranial aneurysm clipping

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the values of detecting intracranial residual aneurysms by three - dimensional digital subtraction angiography (3D - DSA) after clipping. Methods 3D - DSA and DSA were performed on 29 patients (35 aneurysms) after 3 to 6 months of clipping to assess the effect of detecting residual aneurysms by 3D - DSA contrasting to DSA. Results 10 residual aneurysms were detected by 3D - DSA, in which 8 neck residual aneurysms had been confirmed as the neck residual aneurysms, the other 2 residual dome aneurysms could not be confirmed as the completely clipped aneurysms in operations; However, only 3 aneurysms were detected by DSA, in which 1 neck residual aneurysm and 2 residual dome aneurysms were in line with the results of3D -DSA. While the other 7 residual aneurysm, which were detected by 3D - DSA, appeared as false negative results. Conclusion The effect of detecting residual aneurysms after clipping by 3D - DSA was obviously better than by DSA. 3D -DSA was more sensitive and accurate, especially in detecting the less neck remnant aneurysms. 3D - DSA was good at observing the morphologic change of residual aneurysms in long - term follow - up after clipping. Key words: Intracranial aneurysm;  3D-DSA;  DSA;  Residual aneurysm