Diagnostic dilemmas of multislice CT angiography in the evaluation of the degree of common carotid artery stenosis

Abstract

Introduction. Multislice CT angiography (CTA) is a noninvasive and quick technique to image carotid artery stenosis, as well as intracerebral vasculature. Modern multidetector CTA produces images with a high resolution of, not only the contrast-filled lumen, but also of the vessel wall and the surrounding soft tissues. Multiple studies have verified the ability of CTA to provide an accurate representation of the degree of carotid stenosis in comparison to digital subtraction angiography, both for moderate and high-grade stenosis. Because of its fast and accurate vessel imaging, CT angiography is increasingly used in the assessment of carotid artery stenosis. Case Outline. A 37-year-old female patient was admitted at the Vascular Surgery Clinic of the Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases 'Dedinje', Belgrade, for angiography and endovascular procedure of a high-grade stenosis of the left common carotid artery based on Multislice CT findings brought by the patient. She complained of problems which we considered to be the result of cerebral circulation ischemia. After detailed diagnostic procedures, we concluded that no pathological lesions could be verified either on the left common carotid artery or other supraaortic branches. Therefore, the patient was discharged for further neurological examinations. Conclusion. Although Multislice CTA has many advantages over classical angiography, its validity should be taken with reserve, especially in younger patients.