Differential diagnosis of infundibular dilation versus a small aneurysm of the internal carotid artery: assessment by three-dimensional rotational angiography with volume rendering

Neurol Sci. 2013 Jul;34(7):1065-70. doi: 10.1007/s10072-012-1182-y. Epub 2012 Sep 18.

Abstract

We report our findings associated with the differential diagnosis of infundibular dilation (ID) versus a small intracranial aneurysm using three-dimensional rotational angiography with volume rendering (3DRA + VR). Angiographic findings associated with IDs found via two-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (2D-DSA) or 3DRA + VR were reviewed for 138 consecutive patients with known or suspected aneurysms. Two readers independently evaluated the results of 2D-DSA and 3DRA + VR according to the same diagnostic criteria. We also evaluated the ability of 3D-DSA to show the spatial relation between IDs and anterior choroidal (AchA)/posterior communicating (PcomA) arteries. 2D-DSA and 3DRA + VR found 41 and 48 IDs, respectively. 2D-DSA missed five AchA and two PcomA IDs. 2D-DSA was significantly inferior to 3DRA + VR for displaying the spatial relation between IDs and AchA/PcomA (P = 0). Thus, 3DRA + VR provides more useful information for distinguishing IDs from aneurysms. The superiority of 3DRA + VR might be because of its ability to display the spatial relation between IDs and AchA/PcomA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / diagnostic imaging*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnosis
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / physiopathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pituitary Gland, Posterior / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pituitary Gland, Posterior / physiopathology
  • Radiography
  • Young Adult