RSNA 2015

Abstract Archives of the RSNA, 2015


SSE18-02

Detection of Small Vessel Occlusions Using a Wavelet-based CT Angiography Reconstructed from CT Perfusion Data in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Monday, Nov. 30 3:10PM - 3:20PM Location: N229



Wolfgang G. Kunz, MD, Munich, Germany (Presenter) Nothing to Disclose
Lukas Havla, Munich, Germany (Abstract Co-Author) Nothing to Disclose
Wieland H. Sommer, MD, Munich, Germany (Abstract Co-Author) Founder, QMedify GmbH
Olaf Dietrich, PhD, Munich, Germany (Abstract Co-Author) Nothing to Disclose
Maximilian F. Reiser, MD, Munich, Germany (Abstract Co-Author) Nothing to Disclose
Kolja M. Thierfelder, MD,MSc, Munich, Germany (Abstract Co-Author) Nothing to Disclose
Birgit B. Ertl-Wagner, MD, Munich, Germany (Abstract Co-Author) Nothing to Disclose
PURPOSE

To evaluate a newly developed wavelet-based CTA (waveCTA) reconstructed from whole-brain CT perfusion (WB-CTP) data in stroke patients in which conventional single-phase CTA (spCTA) failed to demonstrate a vessel occlusion.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

Out of a retrospective cohort of 658 consecutive patients who had underwent multiparametric CT due to suspected stroke, we included all patients with the following inclusion criteria: (1) CT perfusion deficit as assessed by CBF, (2) no evidence of occlusion in spCTA, and (3) acute ischemic non-watershed infarction as confirmed by follow-up MRI or CT within 72hrs. waveCTA images were calculated from whole-brain CT perfusion data after initial rigid-body motion correction using the wavelet transform (Paul wavelet, order 1) of each pixel attenuation time course, from which the angiographic signal intensity was extracted as the maximum of the wavelet power spectrum. waveCTA was analyzed by two blinded and experienced readers with respect to presence and location of vessel occlusions and detail visibility of vessels in comparison to spCTA.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients (9.6%, mean age 74.8 yrs, range 34-89) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. waveCTA reconstruction was successful in all patients. Overall, in 31 (49.2%) of these patients with negative spCTA, an occlusion could be identified using waveCTA. In the subgroup of 48 MCA infarctions, 24 occlusions (50.0%) were detected by waveCTA, mainly located on the M2- (12) and M3-level (10). A subgroup of ACA and PCA infarctions with 6 patients each demonstrated occlusions using waveCTA in 3 cases each. Detail visibility of small vessels (M2-4 level) was rated significantly higher for waveCTA vs. spCTA (4.5 vs. 2.8; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Wavelet-based CT angiography reconstructed from CT perfusion data allows the detection of small vessel occlusions that are missed by spCTA in around 50% of the cases.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION

waveCTA is a promising new angiographic reconstruction technique of WB-CTP data that improves the sensitivity in the detection of small-vessel occlusions. Further studies on the prognostic value of these occlusions may contribute to clinical decision making in acute ischemic stroke.