Three-dimensional visualization of aneurysm wall calcification by cerebral angiography: Technical case report

Area of Science:

• Neuroradiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• A 57-year-old man with an incidental middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm underwent preoperative imaging.
• Standard 3D rotational angiography (3D-RA) was used to depict luminal morphology.
• 3D density rendering was employed to precisely locate aneurysm wall calcification.

Observation:

• A native 3D rotational angiogram was acquired for calcium density visualization.
• An intraarterial contrast-enhanced 3D rotational angiogram was performed in the same location.
• Both datasets were postprocessed to obtain a 3D calcium volume rendering.

Findings:

• The imaging successfully depicted both the MCA aneurysm's luminal morphology and its calcium-rich components.
• This detailed visualization was valuable in determining the surgical treatment strategy.

Implications:

• Simultaneous imaging of luminal morphology and calcification simplifies the estimation of brain aneurysm wall calcification.
• This method provides a clear assessment of calcification degree and distribution.
• The technique offers this assessment with limited additional radiation exposure.