Computer tomography angiography of the cerebral and cervical vessels

: Due to the high temporal and spatial resolution in multislice computed tomography it is possible to perform high-quality computer tomography angiography (CTA) of the cerebral and cervical vessels. Compared to digital subtraction angiography (DSA), a method that is still considered to be the golden standard, CTA is faster and can be performed using a minimal invasive technique. In this paper we outline the clinical indications for performing CTA (aneurysms, stroke, vasospasms, arterio-venous malformations, dissection). Examples of scan protocols are given both for angiography of the cerebral vessels alone and for angiography of the cervical and cerebral vessels in combination. Postprocessing methods for evaluating the images in 2D and 3D are described. Finally CTA is compared to other modalities (DSA, magnetic resonance angiography and Doppler ultrasound).