Three-dimensional digital angiography: new tool for simultaneous three-dimensional rendering of vascular and osseous information during rotational angiography

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the latest development in the neurovascular imaging armamentarium. 3D-DSA combines the anatomic resolution of DSA with 3D visualization abilities previously offered by only CT or MR angiography. 3D-DSA provides more detailed information than does DSA alone in the evaluation of neurovascular lesions, such as cerebral aneurysms. However, the inability of 3D-DSA to simultaneously image osseous and vascular structures is noted as a weakness of this technique compared with CT angiography. We describe a new 3D digital angiography reconstruction algorithm that allows the concurrent display of the cerebral vasculature and the osseous landmarks.