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Updated: Sep 30, 2025
04:56
Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 1, 2025
157
Nose-shaped mass in the ascending aorta
Emilio Osorio-Jaramillo1, Andreas Strassl2, Alfred Kocher1
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Journal of Cardiac Surgery
|March 11, 2022
Summary
A computed tomography scan identified an unusual plaque in a patient needing heart surgery. Preoperative detection of this atheromatous plaque prevented a stroke, emphasizing the value of CT angiography in assessing atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Neurology
Background:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common procedure for severe coronary artery disease.
- Atherosclerotic disease can affect multiple vascular beds, increasing risks during surgery.
- Preoperative assessment is crucial for identifying potential complications.
Observation:
- A 79-year-old male patient presented for urgent CABG.
- Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed an atypical, nose-shaped contrast defect in the carotid artery.
- Intraoperative findings confirmed the defect to be an atheromatous plaque.
Findings:
- The preoperative CT angiography accurately identified a significant atheromatous plaque.
- Early detection of the plaque enabled the prevention of a potential cerebrovascular event.
- The plaque's morphology was unusual, mimicking a 'nose-shape' on CT imaging.
Implications:
- CT angiography is a valuable tool for comprehensive preoperative evaluation in patients with expected atherosclerotic changes.
- Identifying and managing carotid artery atheromatous disease can mitigate perioperative stroke risk.
- This case underscores the importance of detailed imaging for unexpected findings during cardiac surgery work-ups.
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