Computed angiotomography of unruptured cerebral aneurysms.

Twenty-seven unruptured cerebral aneurysms in 25 patients were detected by computed angiotomography. A comparison of the computed angiotomographic features in common aneurysm sites with plain CT and conventional arteriography was carried out. An isodense, round cisternal defect and a calcification or high-density mass in the basal cisterns on plain CT are important findings suggestive of unruptured aneurysms larger than 7 mm in diameter. The identification of the aneurysm, as well as of the afferent and efferent arteries on computed angiotomography is essential for the direct diagnosis of smaller unruptured aneurysms related to the circle of Willis. This is possible in a number of cases when the aneurysms are relatively large. It appears that the aneurysm size must be larger than 3 mm in diameter to permit its recognition on the basis of angiotomography and the avoidance of false-positive findings.