Comparison of 16-row multislice CT angiography with conventional angiography for detection and evaluation of intracranial aneurysms

Purpose The aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic performance of 16-row computed tomographic angiography (MDCTA) with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for the detection and characterization of intracranial aneurysms in patients with nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAH). Materials and methods One-hundred and twelve consecutive patients with suspected intracranial aneurysm underwent both 16-row MDCTA and DSA. The MDCT angiograms were interpreted in a blinded fashion by using combination with VRI, MIP and MPR techniques. Sensitivity specificity and accuracy were calculated for the CTA and DSA. The results were compared with each other. The DSA reader's interpretation was accepted as the reference standard. Results A total of 164 aneurysms were detected at DSA in 112 patients, no aneurysms were detected by DSA and MDCTA in 16 patients. Eight aneurysms were missed by MDCTA. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MDCTA on a per-aneurysm basis were 95.1%, 94.1%, and 95%, respectively. According to the size of the aneurysm less than 3 mm; sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of MDCTA were 86.1%, 94.1%, 88.6%, respectively. Conclusion This study suggests that MDCTA is equally as sensitive as DSA in the detection of intracranial aneurysms of greater than 3 mm, and it also reveals 100% detection rate for ruptured aneurysms.