Value of Three-Dimensional C T A in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Lesions

Leng, Tingting ; Wang, Ximing ; Huo, Ran ; Cheng, Zhaoping ; Feng, Yongqiang et al
The Value of Three-Dimensional Computed Tomographic Angiography in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Lesions
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 122(5):1417-1424, November 2008.
Abstract
Background: 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.Methods: 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.Results: 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.Conclusions: 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.