New techniques in CT angiography.
Computed tomographic (CT) angiography has been improved significantly with the introduction of four- to 64-section spiral CT scanners, which offer rapid acquisition of isotropic data sets. A variety of techniques have been proposed for postprocessing of the resulting images. The most widely used techniques are multiplanar reformation (MPR), thin-slab maximum intensity projection, and volume rendering. Sophisticated segmentation algorithms, vessel analysis tools based on a centerline approach, and automatic lumen boundary definition are emerging techniques; bone removal with thresholding or subtraction algorithms has been introduced. These techniques increasingly provide a quality of vessel analysis comparable to that achieved with intraarterial three-dimensional rotational angiography. Neurovascular applications for these various image postprocessing methods include steno-occlusive disease, dural sinus thrombosis, vascular malformations, and cerebral aneurysms. However, one should keep in mind the potential pitfalls of these techniques and always double-check the final results with source or MPR imaging.
Lell
Michael M
MM
Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA. michael.lell@idr.imed.uni-erlangen.de
Anders
Katharina
K
Uder
Michael
M
Klotz
Ernst
E
Ditt
Hendrik
H
Vega-Higuera
Fernando
F
Boskamp
Tobias
T
Bautz
Werner A
WA
Tomandl
Bernd F
BF
D000465:Algorithms; D000792:Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D006801:Humans; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*