Evaluation of the grafted ascending aorta with computed tomography. Complications caused by suture dehiscence

Patients who have undergone surgery on the thoracic aorta and placement of a synthetic tubular graft need close, long-term radiological follow-up, as they are at risk of not only complications and progression of the underlying disease (atherosclerosis, dissection, or cystic medial necrosis) but also complications of the procedure, notably suture dehiscence leading to formation of an aneurysm around the graft. In a series of 14 asymptomatic postoperative patients studied by computed tomography (CT), the authors detected leakage of contrast material around the graft in 6 patients, 2 of whom required re-operation to correct suture dehiscence. CT is a noninvasive and sensitive method of postoperative evaluation of patients who have undergone an aortic graft.