Bone-free 3D Computed Tomography Angiography Using an Image-processing Application - Imaging Efficacy for Aneurysms Near the Skull Base and Clipped Cerebral Aneurysms

Abstract

Bone-free 3D computed tomography angiography (CTA) can be carried out to image cerebral aneurysms near the skull base when the elimination of bones is surgically required. The maximum intensity projection (MIP) images were initially obtained using the application. Further post-processing was performed to obtain the MIP and volume-rendering (VR) images. This technique did not increase radiation exposure to patients, and remnant bones in the initial MIP images automatically acquired by the application for bone elimination could be easily removed through post-processing. Although parts of vessels were sometimes removed from the image along with the bones, these could be quickly and easily recovered through post-processing. Thus, bone-free 3D CTA and conventional 3D CTA are complementary tools for imaging cerebral aneurysms near the skull base prior to surgery. This application could also eliminate clips in cases of clipped cerebral aneurysms, and it could improve the accuracy of detecting remnant necks after clipping surgery.