Multi-slice 3D-CTA - An improvement over single slice helical CTA for cerebral aneurysms

Background and Objective. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the utility of volume rendered multi-slice helical three-dimensional CT angiography in patients with cerebral aneurysm when compared with single slice CT angiography and formal digital subtraction angiography. Methods. A prototype Toshiba Aquilon multi-slice CT scanner was employed with the following scan conditions: voltage 135 kV; current 300 mA; slice thickness 0.8 mm; scan speed 0.75 sec/cycle; couch speed 1 mm/sec; range 50 mm from foramen magnum; scan pitch 3; three dimensional images were reconstructed using multiple image projections and integral volume rendering algorithms on a Xlink/Xtension workstation. 80 cases of multi-slice CTA for cerebral aneurysm carried out at Fujita University from January 1999 to January 2001 were reviewed. Results. The advantages of multi-slice imaging are illustrated with representative cases of cerebral aneurysm - good demonstration of three dimensional anatomy, appreciation of perforators down to 1 mm in size, delineation of the vessels around the aneurysm complex, relationship between the aneurysm and skull base, information on calcification, thrombus and blebs in the wall and eleven routine views for perusal. Conclusion. Multi-slice CTA is a significant improvement over single slice CTA for cerebral aneurysms. It is our experience the superior and precise images produced by multi-slice technology displays anatomical information not readily available from standard DSA. Multislice 3D-CTA is relatively non-invasive and provides better and adequate detail for surgical planning. The basis of multi-slice CT angiography is described. Multi slice CTA is changing the way cerebral aneurysms are being managed nowadays. New advances in the technology of multi-slice CTA resulting in increased image resolution are outlined.