CT angiography of the neck and brain

Abstract

The evolution of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has allowed the development and advancement of CT angiography (CTA). While the concept of carotid artery evaluation by CT was introduced by Heinz and others in 1984 [1,2], it has taken recent technological advances to bring the current methods into practice. CTA of the neck is used primarily to assess the carotid vessels. As CTA slice thickness and rendering methods have improved, so has the accuracy of stenosis determination. More recently, CTA of the neck has become the standard for traumatic injury. Routine utilization of CTA for the evaluation of carotid and vertebral arteries is now the norm. The technique also has been successfully applied to the intracranial vasculature. Detection of cerebral aneurysms and other vascular diseases are readily identified. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Milan.