Computed tomographic angiography in intracranial vascular diseases

Background. The development of spiral computed tomography (CT) introduced more precise imaging of the vessels also with computed tomographic angiography (CTA). Because it is minimaly invasive method, it was widely accepted by radiologists and clinicians. In early 90 ties CTA also accompanied conventional angiography and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in imaging of intracranial vascular diseases. CTA is used for detection and evaluation of intracranial aneurysms, vascular malformations, stenoocclusive diseases of intracranial arteries and pathological changes of venous sinuses. Comparing to conventional angiography as the »gold standard«, CTA has high specificity, sensibility and diagnostic accuracy concerning detections of intracranial aneurysms. Regarding vascular malformations, CTA is used for diagnostics and pre and postoperative evaluation of it. CTA can show good results in imaging of venous angiomas, and so invasive conventional angiography can be avoided in this pathology. Stenoses and occlusions of arteries can be diagnosed and evaluated in patients with cerebral vasospasm, patients with acute stroke, and patients with chronical arterial stenoses and occlusions.