Volume determination of intracranial aneurysms using 16-row multislice computed tomography angiography -: A systematic in vitro analysis of different reconstruction methods

Objective: To assess multislice computed tomography (CT) angiography for volume determination of intracranial aneurysms. Methods: Submillimetric 16-row multislice CT angiography was performed with optimized scan parameters on precision spheres and a soft carotid artery model harboring 3 aneurysms connected to a Pulsatile circuit. The CT angiography images were produced using optimized techniques for axial, multiplanar reformation, maximum intensity projection, surface-shaded display, and volume-rendered images. Measurements were made with electronic precision calipers by segmentation according to the method of Cavalieri and by the use of automated volumetric analysis software. Results: Segmentation resulted in precise and accurate volume estimates of aneurysms, but small volumes were underestimated and evaluation time was long (36:44 minutes). Automated volume evaluation from volume-rendered reconstructions also resulted in low measurement error, although the evaluation process was significantly faster (3:25 minutes; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The use of an automated volume analysis tool on volume-rendered reconstructions is recommended for time-efficient volume assessment of intracranial aneurysms.