Comparison Between the Stereoscopic Virtual Reality Display System and Conventional Computed Tomography Workstation in the Diagnosis and Characterization of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations

It is difficult to accurately understand the angioarchitecture of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (CAVMs) before surgery using existing imaging methods. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the stereoscopic virtual reality display system (SVRDS) to display the angioarchitecture of CAVMs by comparing its accuracy with that of the conventional computed tomography workstation (CCTW). Nineteen patients with CAVM confirmed on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or during surgery were studied. Computed tomography angiography images in the SVRDS and CCTW were retrospectively analyzed by two experienced neuroradiologists using a double-blind method. Angioarchitectural parameters, such as the location and size of the nidus, type and number of the arterial feeders and draining veins, and draining pattern of the vessels, were recorded and compared. The diameter of the nidus ranged from 1.1 to 9 cm. Both CCTW and SVRDS correctly diagnosed the location of the nidus in 19 patients with CAVM. Among the 19 patients, 35 arterial feeders and 25 draining veins were confirmed on DSA and during surgery. With the DSA and intraoperative results as the gold standard bases, the CCTW misjudged one arterial feeder and one draining vein and missed three arterial feeders and two draining veins; meanwhile, the SVRDS missed only two arterial feeders. SVRDS had some advantages in displaying nidus, arterial branches, and draining veins of the CAVM compared with CCTW, as well as SVRDS could more intuitively display the overall angio-architectural spatial picture of CAVM.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the stereoscopic virtual reality display system (SVRDS) in displaying the angioarchitecture of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (CAVMs) by comparing its accuracy with that of the conventional computed tomography workstation (CCTW). Retrospective analysis of computed tomography angiography images was performed on 19 patients with confirmed CAVM, and the angioarchitectural parameters were recorded and compared between SVRDS and CCTW. SVRDS showed advantages in displaying the blood vessels of CAVMs compared to CCTW, and it provided a more intuitive visualization of the overall spatial structure.