Aortic aneurysm and dissection: normal MR imaging and CT findings after surgical repair with the continuous-suture graft-inclusion technique

Radiology. 1993 Jan;186(1):195-201. doi: 10.1148/radiology.186.1.8416564.

Abstract

The normal range of postoperative imaging findings are described in 34 asymptomatic patients studied 5-66 months (mean, 28 months) after undergoing the continuous-suture graft-inclusion technique for repair of aortic aneurysms (n = 20) and dissections (n = 14) involving the ascending aorta. All 34 patients underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and 24 patients also underwent computed tomography (CT). Perigraft thickening was seen in 19 patients (56%) with MR imaging and in eight patients (33%) with CT. Flow outside the graft but contained within the native wrap was noted in five patients (15%) with MR imaging and in four patients (17%) with contrast material-enhanced CT. Thrombus was identified outside the graft and within the wrap in seven patients (21%) with MR imaging and in six patients (25%) with CT. Mass effect on the graft was depicted in four patients (12%) with MR imaging and in three patients (13%) with CT. Of the 14 patients who underwent repair of aortic dissections, an intimal flap was seen distal to the graft in seven of the 14 (50%) evaluated with MR imaging and in four of the 10 (40%) evaluated with contrast-enhanced CT. An accurate postoperative imaging evaluation requires precise knowledge of the surgical technique performed and its anatomic consequences.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aorta / pathology
  • Aortic Aneurysm / diagnosis*
  • Aortic Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Aneurysm / surgery*
  • Aortic Dissection / diagnosis*
  • Aortic Dissection / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Dissection / surgery*
  • Aortography
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Suture Techniques
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*