In vivo evaluation of carotid artery stents using multi-detector-row computed tomography angiography: comparison of 3 kernels

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2013 May-Jun;37(3):402-7. doi: 10.1097/RCT.0b013e318289a9f9.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the lumen visibility of carotid artery stents using multi-detector-row computed tomography (MDCT) angiography; compare medium-smooth, medium-sharp, and sharp kernels; and correlate these results to those of digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 52 stents from 51 patients who underwent 16- and 64-slice MDCT angiography. Lumen diameters were measured 3 times by 2 neuroradiologists, and artificial luminal narrowing was calculated. To assess detection of in-stent restenosis (>50%), 2 neuroradiologists evaluated all MDCT and DSA images.

Results: Excellent intraobserver and interobserver agreements were obtained for the lumen diameter measurements (P < 0.001). Lumen diameter visibility improved, and artificial luminal narrowing decreased from the medium-smooth kernel to the sharp kernel. Visual estimation of all CT angiography using the 3 kernels showed high accuracy for detection of in-stent restenosis (>50%), compared with DSA.

Conclusions: Computed tomography angiography using a sharp kernel allows for more accurate assessment of lumen visibility after carotid artery stenting.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Angiography, Digital Subtraction
  • Carotid Stenosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carotid Stenosis / surgery*
  • Cerebral Angiography / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multidetector Computed Tomography / methods*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Stents*