Gd. Rubin et al., 3-DIMENSIONAL SPIRAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ANGIOGRAPHY - AN ALTERNATIVE IMAGING MODALITY FOR THE ABDOMINAL-AORTA AND ITS BRANCHES, Journal of vascular surgery, 18(4), 1993, pp. 656-665
Purpose: We sought to apply a new technique of computed tomographic an
giography (CTA) to the preoperative and postoperative assessment of th
e abdominal aorta and its branches. Methods: After a peripheral intrav
enous contrast injection, the patient is continuously advanced through
a spiral CT scanner, while maintaining a 30-second breath-hold. Thirt
y-five patients with abdominal aortic, renal, and visceral arterial di
sease have undergone CTA. Results: Diagnostic three-dimensional images
were obtained in patients with aortic aneurysms (n = 9), aortic disse
ctions (n = 4), and mesenteric artery stenoses (n = 4). The technique
has also been used to assess vessels after operative reconstruction or
endovascular intervention in 18 patients. These preliminary studies h
ave correlated well with conventional arteriographic findings. In aneu
rysmal disease both the lumen and mural thrombus and associated renal
artery stenoses are visualized. The true and false channels of aortic
dissections and the perfusion source of the visceral vessels are clear
ly shown; patency of visceral and renal reconstruction or stent placem
ent are confirmed. CTA is relatively noninvasive and can be completed
in less time than conventional angiography with less radiation exposur
e. Conclusions: This initial experience suggests that CTA may be a val
uable alternative to conventional arteriography in the evaluation of t
he aorta and its branches.