The value of three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular lesions.

Abstract

The accurate classification of vascular lesions is important because treatment and prognosis vary from type to type. Diagnoses are based on a combination of clinical symptoms using many imaging techniques, including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography, which is a relatively new technique. Until now, however, few studies on the clinical use of three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography reformations in vascular lesions have been published. The authors' study was designed to evaluate the value of three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular lesions. Therapeutic plans of 16 patients with vascular lesions were made based on their three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography images. Pathologic examinations were also performed to verify the authors' diagnoses after surgery. Three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography accurate distinguished hemangiomas and vascular malformations, which was proven pathologically. The information aided much in therapeutic planning. All patients underwent complete treatment without complications. The authors' study suggests that three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography is helpful in differential diagnosis of hemangiomas and vascular malformations and provides a global overview of the lesions. Three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography aids significantly in therapeutic planning.