CT angiography of Takayasu arteritis: comparison with conventional angiography.

PURPOSE

To compare computed tomography (CT) angiography with conventional angiography in the evaluation of the extent of disease in the aorta and its major branches in patients with Takayasu arteritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Both conventional (digital subtraction) and CT angiography were performed in 10 patients with Takayasu arteritis. The luminal abnormalities were assessed with both conventional angiography and maximum intensity projection (MIP) CT angiography. Transverse images from CT angiography also were used to assess mural changes, which were not assessed with conventional angiography.

RESULTS

Conventional angiography revealed 51 sites of luminal abnormalities. In five patients (50%), both conventional and MIP CT angiography depicted the same number of involved sites. At 36 of the 51 sites (71%), the estimation of luminal changes was the same for both modalities. In all patients, the transverse images provided additional mural findings in the aorta and its major branches. The integrated information provided by CT angiography, including MIP and transverse images, depicted more extensive disease than conventional angiography.

CONCLUSION

CT angiography including MIP and transverse images has advantages over conventional angiography in the evaluation of disease extent by providing additional mural information in Takayasu arteritis.