TYPE-A DISSECTION OF THE THORACIC AORTA - USE OF MR-IMAGING FOR LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP

PURPOSE: To evaluate routine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for long- term follow-up in patients who undergo surgery for type A aortic disse ction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-two MR examinations were performe d in 36 patients. Standard spin-echo images were obtained with electro cardiographic gating (n = 92) and rapid images with a fast low-angle s hot sequence and intravenous administration of gadopentetate dimeglumi ne (n = 25). All segments of the native thoracic aorta were evaluated. Anastomoses of the prosthesis and periprosthetic hematoma were carefu lly analyzed. RESULTS: Of 22 complications that occurred in 18 patient s, 18 were diagnosed at MR imaging (nine false aneurysms and nine aneu rysms distal to the graft). Nine patients underwent reoperation. The f indings at MR imaging correlated with those at surgery. CONCLUSION: Ro utine follow-up with MR imaging should improve long-term survival in p atients who survive emergency surgical repair of type A aortic dissect ion.