Computed tomography angiography in the diagnosis of arteriovenous malformations

Abstract

Introduction: The most common cause of intracranial bleeding in younger patients and children are vascular anomalies. Digital subtractions angiography presents a gold standard in diagnostics of aneurisms and vascular malformations. Our aim is to present our experience in using computed tomography angiography in diagnosing arteriovenous malformations.
 Methods: We included 150 patients with acute non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage diagnosed by non-contrast CT examination, after which they were subjected to CT angiography of the cerebral vessels, and then underwent maximum intense projection and volume rendering reconstruction.
 Results: Out of 150 patients with non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage, in 121 (81%) a diagnosis of aneurysm was rendered, while in 8 (5%) arteriovenous malformation was found. In 29 (14%) patients cause of bleeding was not identified. Patients with arteriovenous malformations, were age 17-77 years, with mean age 42.75 years. Five (62.5%) of them were female patients and three (37.5%) were male.
 Conclusion: Spontaneous non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Computed tomography angiography is sufficiently specific and sensitive in diagnosis of arteriovenous malformations in our experience.

A study on role of DSA in intracerebral vascular anomaly comparison with computed tomography angiography/magnetic resonance angiography

“…resolution CT angiography is not accurate enough to determine the exact localization and size of the AVM nidus or differentiate in the nidus obliterated or normal blood vessels, such as arteries that bring blood to the AVM or drainage veins, which can be left out by CT angiography, while DSA provides a series of shots at different stages of the passage of contrast through the AVM. 11 However, due to the high ionizing radiation in CTA examinations and a higher possibility of an anaphylactic reaction to the CT contrast medium in patients, MRA is gaining importance for use in cerebral vascular lesions and has become a potential alternative for both diagnosis and follow-up. 12 In this study, 19 patients are nicely delineated by CTA by vascular architecture pattern but rest most of the patients remains indetermined.…”