Computed tomography, dynamic cerebral scintigraphy and angiography in the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms and ensuing blood flow disorders. A correlative study.

Twenty-nine consecutive patients were examined 3 to 6 days after subarachnoid hemorrhage, using conventional computed tomography (CT), computed angiotomography (angio-CT), conventional four-vessel angiography, and, in 20 cases, dynamic cerebral scintigraphy (DCS). Angio-CT indicated aneurysms in 21 cases. There was also agreement between angio-CT and angiography as to the localization of the aneurysms. DCS demonstrated blood flow disturbances in 15 cases with or without aneurysms. As opposed to these findings, changes due to blood flow disturbance were observed only in 7 cases at CT. The results suggest that angio-CT is a valuable method for detecting cerebral aneurysms and may limit the use of conventional angiography. DCS is a more sensitive method than CT, but DCS changes do not permit recognition of the type and location of the pathologic changes.