Influence of different reconstruction parameters in the visualization of intracranial stents using C-arm flat panel CT angiography: experience in an animal model

BackgroundC-arm flat panel computed tomography angiography (CA-CTA) is a relatively new imaging modality. Consequently, knowledge about postprocessing parameters and their influence on image quality is still limited, especially for the visualization of implanted microstents.PurposeTo optimize reconstruction parameters by evaluating the influence of these different parameters for CA-CTA visualization of microstents in an animal model.Material and MethodsEleven microstents were implanted within the left common carotid artery of 11 New Zealand white rabbits. Both CA-CTA, using intra-venous delivery of contrast material, and conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed. CA-CTA datasets were reconstructed using three different image characteristics (normal, sharp, smooth). Two experienced neuroradiologists evaluated the image quality and performed measurements of inner and outer stent diameters as well as measurements of the lumen area.ResultsStent deployment was performed successfully in a...