The validity and findings of superselective angio-CT of brain tumors

Superselective angio-CT (SSA-CT) was performed on 12 patients with malignant astrocytomas who had been treated with superselective intra-arterial infusions of ACNU. SSA-CT was done at the time of super-selective intra-arterial infusion. Following conventional intra-arterial DSA for which a 6-F catheter was used, a microcatheter (Tracker-18) was passed coaxially inside the guiding catheter, and advanced into the feeding arteries of the tumor. After the microcatheter was placed in the proper position, a dynamic CT was performed with contrast administration into the feeding arteries. A GE CT/T 9800 scanner was used; the contrast medium was iopamidol which was administered diluted with 5 volumes of saline. There was representation of tumor stains by SSA-CT in all 12 patients, and of the medullary veins in three. In contrast, DSA or conventional enhanced CT represented tumor stain/enhancement in only 10 patients, and the medullary veins in one. In two patients who had no contrast tumor enhancement on the CT with contrast, SSA-CT could represent tumor stain. SSA-CT was also superior to DSA and conventional CT for the visualization of medullary veins The feeding artery in a patient with a posterior frontal astrocytoma was unclear on DSA. However, SSA-CT with contrast administration in the anterior cerebral artery revealed tumor stain; this modality was also useful for identifying the artery to be used for ACNU infusion. In another patient with a tumor in the parahippocampal gyrus, SSA-CT with contrast administration in the posterior cerebral artery could provide the proper position of the catheter for the infusion of ACNU. None of the patients experienced complications due to catheterization nor any systemic side-effects. (H.O.)