Computed Tomography Angiography versus Magnetic Resonance Angiography of Brain in Evaluating Cerebrovascular Diseases: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: In India, Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD) remains to be one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. In recent times, the imaging of cerebrovascular disorders has undergone various advancements with the advent of digital technologies. Two novel imaging modalities include Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) and Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA). Aim: To assess and compare Computed Tomography Angiogram (CTA) brain vs non contrast MR angiogram brain in evaluation of CVD. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, Arupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry, India, from November 2020 to July 2022. All suspected cases of cerebrovascular accidents who were above 18 years of age were screened for the study. Finally, a total of 60 patients were recruited for the study. Demographic parameters like age, gender and occupation were collected. Past history of chronic illness, vitals, serum urea and creatinine were also assessed. MRA findings including stenosis, occlusion, and irregularity of vessels and features of stroke were assessed and compared to the findings on CTA images. Data was compiled and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 19.0. Results: A maximum of 26 (43.3%) participants were in the age group of 61-70 years of age and, 60% of the cases were males and 40% of the cases were females. Out of the 60 patients, 40 (80%) had characteristics of CVD based on CTA, and 47 (78.3%) of the individuals indicated of CVD based on MRA results. The differences between MRA and CTA for CVD alterations were significant (p-value<0.0001). MRA had a diagnostic efficacy of 95% and had a sensitivity and specificity of 95.8% and 91.7% respectively, with PPV of 97.9%, and NPV of 84.6% as compared to CTA. Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that MRA is equally effective as CTA in diagnosing cases with CVD.