Spiral CT Angiography: Applications in Neurovascular Imaging

BackgroundThe advent of Spiral Computed Tomographic (CT) angiography has provided the patients a non-invasive, accurate and fast modality of imaging the vasculature.MethodsSpiral CT angiography was performed in 30 patients to evaluate intracranial circulation using standard protocols of data acquisition. The images were processed and reconstructed in 3-dimension to delineate anatomy and pathology accurately.ResultsThe study established that CT angiography is an accurate modality for evaluating the intracranial circulation in a variety of abnormalities. It is safe both in terms of being non-invasive and exposure to radiation. It has a distinct advantage over other non-invasive modalities of imaging like MRI in the evaluation of patients with metallic stents and clips.ConclusionCT angiography has tremendous potential in imaging the intracranial vasculature. It is unquestionably safer than catheter angiography as it avoids arterial puncture and intra-arterial catheter manipulation. It is fast and capable of producing excellent 3-dimensional images of the intracranial vasculature.