Coronary artery bypass grafts: assessment with multidetector CT in the early and late postoperative settings

Radiographics. 2005 Jul-Aug;25(4):881-96. doi: 10.1148/rg.254045151.

Abstract

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is the standard of care in the treatment of advanced coronary artery disease. It is well known that the long-term clinical outcome after myocardial revascularization depends on the patency of the bypass grafts. In the past, invasive coronary angiography was used to assess the status of the grafts and check for graft occlusion. Recently, computed tomography (CT), particularly multidetector CT with electrocardiographic gating, has emerged as an important diagnostic tool for evaluation of CABGs in both the early (< or =1 month) and late (>1 month) postoperative settings. A variety of postoperative complications may manifest as dyspnea and chest pain, thereby mimicking recurrent angina secondary to graft occlusion. Owing to its improved spatial resolution compared with that of earlier-generation CT scanners and its ability to produce three-dimensional and multiplanar images, multidetector CT has assumed an integral role in characterization of graft patency while allowing investigation of alternative postoperative complications. In addition, the expanded capabilities of volumetric imaging may provide valuable information in preoperative planning for repeat CABG surgery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Artery Bypass* / adverse effects
  • Coronary Artery Bypass* / methods
  • Coronary Artery Disease / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Mammary Arteries / transplantation
  • Postoperative Care
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Saphenous Vein / transplantation
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*