CT EC & IC

Extracranial-to-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass procedures are pivotal across various clinical scenarios, addressing cerebrovascular occlusive diseases, combined occlusion-bypass interventions for giant aneurysms, and bypass procedures for tumors. Traditionally, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) has been the primary method for preoperative assessment and postoperative evaluation. However, the inherent risks associated with DSA, ranging from groin hematomas to strokes, prompt exploration of less invasive alternatives. Computed tomographic (CT) angiography emerges as a promising and safer technique for assessing the carotid and cerebral vasculature in these cases. Its application extends to aneurysm detection, postclipping evaluation, acute stroke, chronic steno-occlusive disease, and blunt neck trauma. In our experience, CT angiography proves to be a viable and less risky alternative to DSA for both preoperative and postoperative assessments in patients undergoing EC-IC bypass grafts. Key Words: angiography, bypass, computed tomography, extracranial, intracranial.