Diagnostic Value of 64-slice CTA in Detection of Intracranial Aneurysm in Patients with SAH and Comparison of the CTA Results with 2D-DSA and Intraoperative Findings

Objective: To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic value of 64-slice CTA in detecting intracranial aneurysms and to compare it with 2D-DSA and/or intra-operative findings. Material and Methods: 37 cases with SAH according to unenhanced cranial CT were included in the study. A 64-slice CTA was performed to all cases immediately after the nonenhanced cranial CT. DSA was performed in 24-48 hours following CTA. CT images were reviewed by two radiologists expe- rienced in CT vascular imaging. The DSA reader was the angiographer who performed the DSA. The results of the CTA were compared with the DSA results and/or intraoperative findings in order to determine the diagnostic efficacy of CTA in detecting intracranial aneurysms. Results: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of CTA in detecting aneurysms were 92.8%, 83.3%, 96.2%, 71.4% and 91.2% respectively. The diagnostic value of CTA in detecting intracranial aneurysms was found to be equal to DSA by Mcnemar test. Conclusion: CTA is invaluable in detecting intracranial aneurysms. It may be used as a first line modality in SAH, and DSA may be reserved for patients with negative or equivocal CTA results.