Experience with three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography in Ibadan, Nigeria

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Vascular Imaging
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Advanced spiral CT scanners offer enhanced vascular imaging capabilities.
• Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) shows potential to replace conventional angiography.
• CTA is a revolutionary non-invasive modality for vascular diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the initial clinical experience with CTA in Nigeria.
• To highlight CTA's utility in diagnosing diverse vascular abnormalities.
• To assess CTA's role in non-invasive vascular imaging.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 62 patients undergoing CTA from December 2003 to September 2005.
• Utilized spiral CT technique with a GE CT/e single-slice scanner.
• Detailed data acquisition, 3-D reconstruction, and clinical application analysis.

Main Results:

• Vascular abnormalities were detected in 42% of patients (26 out of 62).
• Identified conditions included cranial and spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), intracranial aneurysms, aortic aneurysms, carotid artery stenosis, and peripheral aneurysms.
• Specific findings: 5 cranial AVMs, 3 intracranial aneurysms, 1 spinal AVM, 3 aortic aneurysms, 5 carotid stenosis, 2 peripheral aneurysms.

Conclusions:

• CTA demonstrated good correlation with surgical findings.
• CT angiography has significantly advanced vascular radiology practice in Ibadan.
• CTA's effectiveness in Nigeria mirrors its global impact on vascular imaging.