neurologic disorders
Brain Aneurysms
Diagnosis of Brain Aneurysms
Neuroimaging Neuroimaging may detect aneurysms incidentally. Diagnosis of aneurysms requires angiography, CT angiography, or magnetic resonance angiography. Catheter-based digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard for diagnosing aneurysms. When initial CT angiography or DSA is negative in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage around the circle of Willis, delayed DSA done 7 days after the initial aneurysmal bleeding is valuable. If a mycotic aneurysm is suspected, bacterial and fungal blood cultures should be done. 