Multidetector Computed Tomographic Angiography in Determining Intracranial Aneurysm Characteristics

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Multidetector computed tomographic angiography (MDCTA) is a relatively noninvasive diagnostic tool that has been widely used in neurovascular imaging. The aim of this study was to determine the agreement between 64-MDCTA findings and surgical findings with respect to intracranial aneurysm characteristics. Methods: During this study (August to October 2010), 38 patients with nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage underwent contrast-enhanced 64-MDCTA of intracranial vessels at Tabriz Imam Khomeini Hospital. The bolus tracking method was used. The location, size, shape, and projection of detected intracranial aneurysms were evaluated and then compared with surgical findings. Results: The shape and location of aneurysms reported by MDCTA were the same as those reported during surgery (Cohen kappa = 1 for both). The size of aneurysms reported by MDCTA had direct linear correlation with the size reported during surgery (P < 0.0001, r = 0.945). In case of projection, a very good agreement was observed between surgical and MDCTA findings (Cohen kappa = 0.751). Conclusions: This study showed an excellent agreement between MDCTA findings and surgical findings in determining the characteristics of intracranial aneurysms.