The Potential Value of 320-Row Computed Tomography Angiography in Digital Subtraction Angiography–Negative Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the clinical value of multiphase and multiparametric 320-row computed tomography (CT) in the long-term follow-up of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with initially negative CT angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) results. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 35 patients with nontraumatic angiographically negative SAH results from February 2012 to December 2015. Regular follow-up was performed with 320-row CTA, CT venography, and CT perfusion. RESULTS: All patients received 320-row CT follow-up for 0.5 to 4 years. The diagnostic yield of the follow-up examinations was 4 of 35 (11.4%), 3 of 31 (9.7%), and 1 of 28 (3.6%) for the first, second, and third time points, respectively. Two patients were admitted to the hospital because of recurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage during the follow-up period and diagnosed with ruptured aneurysms. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SAH with negative findings in the first DSA examination require to follow up. Follow-up using 320-row CTA, CT venography, and CT perfusion allows for a noninvasive diagnostic test for cerebrovascular diseases with higher compliance and fewer complications when compared with follow-up using DSA.