Rotational flat-panel computed tomography in diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology

Rofo. 2008 Oct;180(10):891-8. doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1027741.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / therapy
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / diagnostic imaging
  • Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / therapy
  • Cerebral Angiography / instrumentation*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / instrumentation
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / instrumentation*
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / therapy
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / diagnostic imaging
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / therapy
  • Neuronavigation / instrumentation*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Spinal Stenosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Stenosis / therapy
  • Spondylosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Spondylosis / therapy
  • Stents
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / instrumentation*
  • Vertebroplasty / instrumentation