Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Ultrafast 16-Slice Computed Tomography Images and CT Angiography Versus Conventional Coronary Angiography at One Year in Multivessel Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the postoperative graft patency assessment by multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) scan and conventional coronary angiography (CCA) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients 1 year after surgery. Methods: Sixty- nine patients who underwent isolated CABG at least 1 year before the study, were subjected to both MSCT angiography with cardiac gating and CCA. The results were evaluated and compared. Results: There were 209 grafts in 69 patients. All grafts were evaluated by both MSCT angiography and CCA. Seventy- eight grafts were on the anterior wall, 83 on the lateral wall and 48 on the inferior wall of the heart. On MSCT angiography, all left internal mammary arteries were visualized with 3-dimensional reconstruction and found to be patent. Of 209 grafts, 11 grafts (5.26%) were blocked, 6 grafts on the lateral wall and 5 on the inferior wall. All patent grafts were correctly evaluated by MSCT angiography (specificity 100%). However, 2 grafts that were found to be patent on MSCT angiography were blocked on CCA (MSCT sensitivity 81.8%). Conclusions: Postoperative evaluation of coronary bypass grafts is possible with very good resolution by MSCT angiography. This method allows evaluation of the bypass grafts and the quality of anastomosis with a noninvasive method that is comparable with CCA.