Abstract
Background
Investigation of the venous system surrounding a tumor that is invading a dural sinus is of great use for guiding the surgical excision. Non-invasive imaging is often inadequate since enhancement of the tumor causes it to blend with the contrast of the venous vascular structures. Conventional two-dimensional angiography is also often insufficient.
Objective
The objective of this study was to report regarding the potential of three-dimensional digital subtracted computed tomography angiography (3D DS-CTA) as a technique to preoperatively explore these tumors.
Methods
We retrospectively studied the radiological and surgical features of patients explored with 3D DS-CTA for a tumor invading a major dural sinus.
Results
Three patients were included in this study, one hemangiopericytoma and two meningiomas. 3D DS-CTA allows for accurate assessment of the patency of the sinus, the location of the secondary intra- and trans-osseous venous outlets, and surgical guidance by neuronavigation.
Conclusion
3D DS-CTA could be a promising guiding and diagnostic tool for the pre- and intraoperative treatment of vascular tumors invading the dural sinuses, for which the venous morbidity and mortality is substantial.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.