[Three-dimensional CT angiography with volume rendering for the detection of intracranial aneurysms]

To evaluate the value of three-dimensional CT angiography (3D-CTA) with volume rendering (VR) for the detection of intracranial aneurysm.

Axial CT images were obtained by helical CT scanning on 45 patients with intracranial aneurysms, 15 males and 30 females, aged 63.9 (33-79 years). The primitive data were entered into the Silicon Graphics O2 board to be treated. VR technique was adopted to reconstruct 3D-CTA imaging, aided by multiplanar reformation to obtain the total volume of aneurysm. Among the 45 patients 25 underwent DSA simultaneously, 21 underwent clamping of aneurysm, and 3 underwent GDC thrombosis.

Fifty-nine intracranial aneurysms were detected in 45 patients by 3D-CTA, including 32 small aneurysms (< or = 5 mm). 3D-CTA with VR well demonstrated aneurysms and provided useful information including the site, shape, size and spatial relationship to the surrounding vessels and bony structures.

A quick, reliable, and relatively noninvasive diagnostic tool for intracranial aneurysms, 3D-CTA with VR delineates the aneurysmal morphology in detail, and provides useful information for choosing and planning microsurgical or endovascular treatment.