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Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
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Severe Calcification of the Ascending Aorta Detected Incidentally in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Mohamed Salem1, Baland Mohammad1, Katharina Huenges1

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany.

The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon
|April 5, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Replacing calcified ascending aorta (CAA) during cardiac surgery is safe. This study found no increased risk of neurologic events or mortality when incidentally discovered severe CAA was addressed during the procedure.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Aortic Surgery

Background:

  • Severe calcified ascending aorta (CAA) presents a surgical challenge during cardiac procedures.
  • Incidental discovery of CAA necessitates careful management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing cardiac surgery with simultaneous replacement of incidentally discovered severe calcified ascending aorta (CAA).

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study included 74 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CAA replacement.
  • A control group was matched for age, gender, and procedure.
  • Moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest was utilized for the procedure.

Main Results:

  • While extracorporeal circulation and cross-clamping times were longer in the CAA replacement group, no significant differences in postoperative complications were observed.
  • Incidence of neurologic adverse events (5.4% vs. 2.7%) and 30-day mortality (6.7% vs. 4.1%) did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Initial replacement of incidental severe calcified ascending aorta (CAA) during cardiac surgery is not associated with increased risks.
  • This approach appears safe regarding neurologic adverse events and mortality.
Abstract

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