Three-dimensional reconstructed images after rotational angiography in theevaluation of intracranial aneurysms: Surgical correlation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional reconst ructed images from rotational digital subtraction angiography in the surgic al treatment of intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with 34 intracranial aneurysms underwent bipla ne angiography (40 degrees per s, 4.5 degrees per image, 8.8 frames per s). Three-dimensional (3-D) reconstructed images were obtained at a separate A dvantage 3.1 workstation (General Electric, Milwaukee, WI) after the rotati onal images were transferred. The available visualization techniques includ ed maximum intensity projection, shaded surface display, and virtual endolu minal view. All images were evaluated in correlation with intrasurgical vis ual data recorded on digital videotapes. RESULTS: 3-D reconstructed images correlated well with surgical findings. T he shape of the aneurysms, their neck size, and their relationships to the parent vessels and other branches were depicted clearly, especially compare d with images obtained by two-dimensional conventional digital subtraction angiography and magnetic resonance angiography. CONCLUSION: 3-D digital subtraction angiography enables the surgeon to unde rstand the 3-D structure of lesions and is very useful in planning the surg ical treatment of cerebral aneurysms.