Volume determination of intracranial aneurysms using 16-row multislice computed tomography angiography: a systematic in vitro analysis of different reconstruction methods.
OBJECTIVE
To assess multislice computed tomography (CT) angiography for volume determination of intracranial aneurysms.


METHODS
Submillimetric 16-row multislice CT angiography was performed with optimized scan parameters on precision spheres and a soft carotid artery model harboring 3 aneurysms connected to a pulsatile circuit. The CT angiography images were produced using optimized techniques for axial, multiplanar reformation, maximum intensity projection, surface-shaded display, and volume-rendered images. Measurements were made with electronic precision calipers by segmentation according to the method of Cavalieri and by the use of automated volumetric analysis software.


RESULTS
Segmentation resulted in precise and accurate volume estimates of aneurysms, but small volumes were underestimated and evaluation time was long (36:44 minutes). Automated volume evaluation from volume-rendered reconstructions also resulted in low measurement error, although the evaluation process was significantly faster (3:25 minutes; P < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of an automated volume analysis tool on volume-rendered reconstructions is recommended for time-efficient volume assessment of intracranial aneurysms.
Dudeck
Oliver
O
Department of Radiology, Charité, Campus Virchow Clinic, Berlin, Germany. oliver.dudeck@charite.de
Jurczyk
Krzysztof
K
Abdo
German
G
Pech
Maciej
M
Wieners
Gero
G
Rüfenacht
Daniel A
DA
Ricke
Jens
J
D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002533:Cerebral Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*