HomeAnswersNeurologybrain aneurysmWhich will show brain aneurysm clearly, MR angio or CT angio?

Either MR angio or CT angio, which will show brain aneurysm clearly?

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Published At July 30, 2016
Reviewed AtJuly 31, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Three months ago, I had an magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the brain as I have weird headaches that time. The result showed a little thing, which they thought could be a small aneurysm between 1 mm and 2 mm. But, they were not sure whether it is an aneurysm or anything on the arteries. So, they advised me to go for a computed tomography angiography (CTA). My question is, which test would show it more clearly?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Computed tomography (CT) angiography has sensitivities of 77% to 97% and specificities of 87% to 100% for picking up an aneurysm. Magnetic resonance (MR) angio sensitivity and specificities are way less than CT angio. So, when CT angio is negative for an aneurysm, it is good news. Even more important to know is that with level 1 evidence, the 1 or 2 mm aneurysm does not require intervention when they are unruptured and patient is under 36, non-smoker, not hypertensive or with negative family history of aneurysms. I assume that you are not a smoker or hypertensive, as you have not mentioned anything about that. Take care.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Hardik Nareshbhai Rajyaguru
Dr. Hardik Nareshbhai Rajyaguru

Neurology

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