CT-Derived Aortic Plaque Characteristics Predict MRI-Detected Silent Cerebral Infarction after Total Aortic Arch Replacement.
Silent cerebral infarctions are common after aortic arch surgery; however, the predictive value of preoperative computed tomography (CT)-derived plaque characteristics remains unclear. We investigated the incidence, distribution, and risk factors for new cerebral infarction lesions (NCILs) after total aortic arch replacement (TAR), focusing on low-attenuation plaque (LAP, 0-60 Hounsfield units [HU], a surrogate of lipid-rich vulnerable plaque) burden.
Among 82 consecutive TAR patients, 41 underwent both pre- and postoperative brain diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical profiles, CT-derived atheroma grade and plaque attenuation, operative details, and outcomes were compared between NCIL-positive and NCIL-negative groups. The primary multivariable model simultaneously included arch atheroma grade and LAP area, adjusted for age and sex.
NCILs were detected in 25/41 patients (61%): 23 silent and 2 symptomatic. All NCILs exhibited embolic imaging features without watershed or hypoperfusion patterns. NCIL-positive patients had significantly greater arch LAP area (63.9 vs. 17.7 mm2, p <0.01). On multivariable analysis, arch LAP remained the only independent predictor (OR per 10 mm2, 3.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50-8.75; p = 0.012), whereas atheroma grade was not.
More than half of TAR patients developed MRI-detected, predominantly silent NCILs. Preoperative arch LAP was the sole independent predictor. LAP assessment may refine intraoperative risk stratification and guide tailored neuroprotective strategies.
Among 82 consecutive TAR patients, 41 underwent both pre- and postoperative brain diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical profiles, CT-derived atheroma grade and plaque attenuation, operative details, and outcomes were compared between NCIL-positive and NCIL-negative groups. The primary multivariable model simultaneously included arch atheroma grade and LAP area, adjusted for age and sex.
NCILs were detected in 25/41 patients (61%): 23 silent and 2 symptomatic. All NCILs exhibited embolic imaging features without watershed or hypoperfusion patterns. NCIL-positive patients had significantly greater arch LAP area (63.9 vs. 17.7 mm2, p <0.01). On multivariable analysis, arch LAP remained the only independent predictor (OR per 10 mm2, 3.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50-8.75; p = 0.012), whereas atheroma grade was not.
More than half of TAR patients developed MRI-detected, predominantly silent NCILs. Preoperative arch LAP was the sole independent predictor. LAP assessment may refine intraoperative risk stratification and guide tailored neuroprotective strategies.
Authors
Yamana Yamana, Shimamura Shimamura, Shijo Shijo, Maeda Maeda, Yamashita Yamashita, Sakaniwa Sakaniwa, Miyagawa Miyagawa
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