Three-dimensional CT angiography imaging of vascular tumors of the head and neck.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of three-dimensional (3D) computerized tomography angiography (CTA) in head and neck vascular anomalies.

DESIGN: Prospective case series.

METHODS: A consecutive series of cases of patients with distinct types of vascular anomalies (i.e. hemangioma, arteriovenous malformation, venous malformation and lymphatic malformation) were obtained through CT multislice scanner and analyzed with Vitrea 2 software (Vital Images Inc., Plymouth, MN).

RESULTS: CTA was safe and successful in describing 3D vascular anatomy of a variety of vascular lesions.

CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional CTA allows detailed description of vascular lesions of the head and neck and offers another effective means of imaging these complex lesions.