Rotational flat-panel computed tomography in diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology.
Originally aimed at improving standard radiography by providing higher absorption efficiency and a wider dynamic range than available with X-ray film or film-screen combinations, flat-panel detector technology has become widely accepted for neuroangiographic imaging. In particular flat-panel detector computed tomography (FD-CT) which uses rotational C-arm-mounted flat-panel detector technology is capable of volumetric imaging with high spatial resolution. As "Angiographic CT" FD-CT may be helpful during many diagnostic and neurointerventional procedures, i.e. intracranial stenting for cerebrovascular stenoses, stent-assisted coil embolization of wide-necked cerebral aneurysms and embolizations of arteriovenous malformations. By providing morphologic, CT-like images of the brain within the angio suite, FD-CT is able to rapidly visualize periprocedural hemorrhage and may thus improve rapid complication management without the need for patient transfer. In addition, myelography and postmyelographic FD-CT imaging can be carried out using a single machine. Spinal interventions, such as kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty might also benefit from FD-CT. This paper briefly reviews the technical principles of FD technology and then focuses on possible applications in diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology.
Dörfler
A
A
Abteilung für Neuroradiologie, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. arnd.doerfler@uk-erlangen.de
Struffert
T
T
Engelhorn
T
T
Richter
G
G
D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D020785:Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D002533:Cerebral Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D038361:Neuronavigation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D055009:Spondylosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D015607:Stents; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation*; D054854:Vertebroplasty / Q000295:instrumentation