Bone Subtraction 3-Dimension CT Angiography Using 64-Slice Multidetector CT for the Evaluation of Steno-Occlusive Intra- and Extracranial Vascular Diseases: Comparison with Digital Subtraction Angiography

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of bone subtraction CT angiography (BSCTA) for the evaluation of steno-occlusive intra- and extracranial vascular diseases. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six patients were examined using 64-slice multidetector CT and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). For BSCTA, both nonenhanced CT and enhanced CT angiography (CTA) data sets were obtained. The stenotic degree of each vascular segment was assessed and classified into 5 grades. With DSA as the standard, CTA images were compared. Results: For the evaluation of the extracranial vessels, 370 arterial segments were analyzed, and the stenotic degree revealed by CTA and DSA agreed in 359 (97.0%). There was a significant correlation between CTA and DSA (Rs = 0.974). For depiction of ≥ 50% stenosis, the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of BSCTA were 100%, 98.2%, and 98.6%, respectively. For the intracranial arteries, 1029 segments were analyzed, and CTA agreed with DSA in 966 (93.9%). There was a significant correlation between CTA and DSA for stenotic degree (Rs = 0.880). For the depiction of ≥ 50% stenosis, the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of CTA were 100%, 95.8%, and 96.0%, respectively. In all 74 segments of disagreement, the degree of stenosis was overestimated on CTA. Conclusion: BSCTA is comparable to DSA for the evaluation of steno-occlusive intra- and extracranial vascular diseases. However, the stenotic degree tends to be overestimated on BSCTA, especially in cases of wall calcifications.