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.
