The Potential Value of 320-Row Computed Tomography Angiography in Digital Subtraction Angiography-Negative Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to investigate the clinical value of multiphase and multiparametric 320-row computed tomography (CT) in the long-term follow-up of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with initially negative CT angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) results. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 35 patients with nontraumatic angiographically negative SAH results from February 2012 to December 2015. Regular follow-up was performed with 320-row CTA, CT venography, and CT perfusion. Results All patients received 320-row CT follow-up for 0.5 to 4 years. The diagnostic yield of the follow-up examinations was 4 of 35 (11.4%), 3 of 31 (9.7%), and 1 of 28 (3.6%) for the first, second, and third time points, respectively. Two patients were admitted to the hospital because of recurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage during the follow-up period and diagnosed with ruptured aneurysms. Conclusions Patients with SAH with negative findings in the first DSA examination require to follow up. Follow-up using 320-row CTA, CT venography, and CT perfusion allows for a noninvasive diagnostic test for cerebrovascular diseases with higher compliance and fewer complications when compared with follow-up using DSA.