ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the clinical value of multi-slice CT(MSCT)angiography in the diagnosis of Takayasu's arteritis.Methods Fourteen patients underwent MSCT angiography with use of 90 ml contrast media at a rate of 3.5 ml/s.Images were generated for vascular assessment with various reconstructional techniques,including multi-planar reformat(MPR),maximum intensity projection(MIP), volume rendering(VR),CT virtual endoscopy(CTVE)and advanced vessel analysis(AVA).Results MSCT angiography findings was consistent with the clinical changes of Takayasu's arteritis in all cases.The integrated information including reconstructional and transverse images clearly presented various luminal abnormalities,such as stenosis,occlusion and dilatation in the affected aorta,as well as its major branches and collateral circulation.Furthermore,it depicted mural abnormities,especially concentric arterial wall thickening.Steno-occlusive type(8/14)was more common than mixed type(6/14).According to Lupi- Herrea's classification,type Ⅰ in 5 cases,type Ⅱ in 2,type Ⅲ in 6 and type Ⅳ in 1 were recorded in the present study.Conclusion MSCT angiography is reliable imaging modality for the detection of Takayasu's arteritis.It is useful for early diagnosis because it allows evaluation of wall thickness rather than merely the luminal diameter,which is especially important for prognosis.It might be used as the first choice in the diagnosis of this disease as a simple,convenient and noninvasive method.