Digital angiotomosynthesis for preoperative evaluation of cerebral arteriovenous malformations and giant aneurysms.

PURPOSE To evaluate the clinical utility of the digital angiotomosynthesis technique for giving additional information regarding critical anatomy of cerebrovascular lesions before surgical intervention.

METHOD Seven arteriovenous malformations and three giant aneurysms were examined with digital angiotomosynthesis; these images were compared with conventional angiograms.

RESULTS 1) Detailed recognition of three-dimensional vascular structures of the arteriovenous malformation and giant aneurysm was facilitated by the cine mode of digital angiograms and angiotomograms. 2) Reconstructed angiotomograms could show clear separation of overlapping vessels and demonstrate fine vasculature. 3) Fine feeders, which were difficult to trace on the conventional angiogram, were more easily recognized in all cases of arteriovenous malformation. 4) Small arteries passing in close proximity to the arteriovenous malformation nidus were identifiable. 5) Fine arterial branches, being obscured by big shadows of giant aneurysms on the conventional angiograms, were well identified. 6) The anatomic relationship of bone structures to the giant aneurysm was clearly shown.

CONCLUSIONS Digital angiotomosynthesis is helpful for recognizing the three-dimensional and detailed vascular anatomy of arteriovenous malformations and giant aneurysms and provides neurosurgeons with useful information for preoperative evaluation.