CEREBRAL AV ANGIOMAS - 3-DIMENSIONAL DEMO NSTRATION BY SPIRAL CT

In 20 patients with known or suspected supratentorial arteriovenous ma lformations, an attempt was made to see how far CT angiography with 3- dimensional reconstructions is able to make a diagnosis and to differe ntiate the various components of the angioma. Spiral CT was performed following an intravenous bolus injection of 60-80 ml of iodine contain ing contrast medium. In all patients the diagnosis was confirmed by in tra-arterial DSA of the vertebral vessels. In 13 patients, av malforma tions could be diagnosed following multiplanar 3-D reconstructions whi ch agreed with the findings on DSA. The large supplying vessels, the n idus and the large draining veins could be defined with certainty. In 6 patients follow-up examination after embolisation was performed. The results could be demonstrated in three dimensions and the success of treatment could be documented unequivocally. CT angiography with 3-D r econstruction is able to supply important in formation in the majority of intracranial av malformations, both during initial investigation a nd following treatment.