Intravenous sequential cerebral CT angiography

The principles and practices of cerebral dynamic CT imaging utilizing rapid sequential CT equipment were discussed. Intravenous sequential CT angiography (CT angiography) was performed by the rapid bolus injection of the iodine contrast medium through the antecubital vein and by the subsequent rapid operation of CT scanning. Four sequential images, with different timings, of the contrast fillings in the cerebral CT plane during 30 sec. were obtained. CT angiography offered regional dynamic information related to the cerebral blood flow. The density-time profiles within the region of interest revealed high peak patterns in the opercular gray matter and a low peak pattern in the frontal white substance in normal subjects. On the other hand, anomalous vessels, tumor vascularity, and oligaemia with altered regional blood flow rates were noticed under various conditions. This method is superior to the high-dose iodine static study or to the sequential CT study by the transarterial route. The limitations and disadvantages were also discussed. (author)