As a major referral center for brain aneurysms, UT Southwestern Medical Center’s diagnostic capabilities are unmatched in the region. We see a large number of patients with brain aneurysms each year, so we’re well equipped to make an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment quickly.
Accurate, Efficient Diagnosis for Brain Aneurysm
Whether patients have already been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm or we detect it after they’ve been admitted to the hospital, our team will use advanced imaging technology to evaluate the condition thoroughly.
The diagnostic tests available at UT Southwestern include:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This scan produces detailed 2-D or 3-D images of the brain.
- Computed tomographic angiography (CTA): Combining a CT scan with injection of a special dye, this scan produces images of the blood vessels.
- Cerebrospinal fluid test: In this procedure, a specialist uses a needle to draw cerebrospinal fluid from the spine to check for red blood cells (also known as a spinal tap or lumbar puncture).
- Cerebral angiogram: A catheter is inserted into a large artery and is threaded to the arteries in the brain. A special dye injected into the catheter travels to the arteries throughout the brain. X-ray images can then reveal details about the conditions of the arteries and the site of a ruptured aneurysm.
We have multiple MRI suites on the UT Southwestern campus, allowing for rapid evaluation and diagnosis. Our CTA capabilities include a 320-slice scanner for the most detailed imaging of the aneurysm and the blood flow around it.
Patients should bring any existing imaging results to their appointment. A common question that we receive is, “How long have I had my aneurysm?” We are better equipped to answer this question when patients bring any prior imaging of their brain. We might need to obtain further imaging on the same day as the appointment, so flexibility is appreciated.
