Three-dimensional reconstructed rotational digital subtraction angiography in planning treatment of intracranial aneurysms

We evaluated three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of 200 degrees rotational digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images for their contributions to improving the safety of endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysms. Standard DSA and 200 degrees rotational DSA were performed in 40 adult patients (aged 21-77 years) with 45 intracranial aneurysms. Information obtainable from standard DSA and 3D-DSA images about aneurysm shape and size was compared. In 40 (89%) of the 45 aneurysms 3D-DSA gave additional information about the anatomy of the aneurysm. In 17 (43%) of these cases aneurysm anatomy could be visualized better on 3D-DSA than on standard DSA images. In three cases only 3D-DSA images showed blood vessels originating from the aneurysm. Reconstructed 3D images were also helpful in visualizing partially clipped aneurysms. On maximum-intensity projection images it was even possible to depict previously embolized aneurysms. Blood vessels originating from the aneurysm are visible on 3D-DSA images, and even previously clipped aneurysms can be visualized well. Rotational DSA with 3D reconstruction is a helpful tool in the assessment of intracranial aneurysms.