The usefulness of 3D angiography in treatment of cerebral aneurysms

Abstract The authors used 3D angiography (3DA) in the diagnosis and follow-up studies of cerebral aneurysm. Between August 1999 and November 2002, 134 patients were diagnosed as harboring 164 aneurysms by 3DA. One hundred and ten patients had ruptured aneurysms whereas 24 patients exhibited unruptured aneurysms. One hundred and three aneurysms were surgically clipped and 20 were embolized with coils, with 67 patients undergoing postoperative 3DA. In most cases, the aneurysm's anatomy could be easily visualized on 3DA, although in two cases conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was required for further information. Measurement of aneurysm dimensions was achieved with acceptable accuracy to select the diameter of the first embolization coil. Previously clipped or embolized aneurysms could be visualized well and evaluation of the residual neck was easy in most cases. 3DA was shown to be a helpful tool in the evaluation of pre- and post-treatment of aneurysms.