3D CT cinematic rendering of mycotic aneurysms

Mycotic aneurysms are uncommon but emergent conditions in which infection of a vessel leads to a contained rupture. Progression to frank rupture, thrombosis, distal embolization, and death can occur. The widespread availability of computed tomography (CT) and its ability to obtain high-resolution, contrast-enhanced, volumetric images rapidly has made it the modality of choice for evaluating mycotic aneurysms. Three-dimensional CT visualizations can provide important information to surgeons and interventionalists prior to attempting repair of these lesions. In this case series, we demonstrate the appearance of mycotic aneurysms with the novel 3D CT visualization methodology known as cinematic rendering (CR). CR makes use of a more complex lighting model than has previously been utilized with other 3D CT techniques, allowing for enhanced surface detail and realistic shadowing effects. These features of CR may have utility in evaluating mycotic aneurysms and in pre-procedural/pre-operative planning, although a prospective study definitively evaluating this has not yet been performed.