Healing of aortic prosthetic grafts: a study by magnetic resonance imaging

Ann Vasc Surg. 1994 Nov;8(6):536-42. doi: 10.1007/BF02017409.

Abstract

Thirty-six patients with aortoiliac reconstruction were studied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the diameter, baseline signal, and subsequent magnetic signal characteristics of postoperative periprosthetic collection (PPC). Our study confirmed the presence of PCC in most cases (32/36). The diameter was significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with the type of disease being treated, the type of proximal anastomosis created, and whether or not drainage and postoperative transfusion were used. PPC usually disappeared within 3 to 6 months postoperatively. Modifications of magnetic signals T1 and T2 require approximately the same amount of time to diminish. During follow-up investigations in this series, there was one case of prosthetic infection characterized by the persistence of PPC and a strong T2 signal 6 months after surgery, the latter corresponding to incomplete or delayed healing. The MRI aspects of normal healing of aortic grafts were analyzed to correctly interpret the MRI aspects of complications in surgery of the aorta.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anastomosis, Surgical
  • Aorta, Abdominal / pathology*
  • Aorta, Abdominal / surgery*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / surgery
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / surgery
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis*
  • Drainage
  • Exudates and Transudates
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Iliac Artery / pathology*
  • Iliac Artery / surgery*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / diagnosis
  • Retroperitoneal Space
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Polyethylene Terephthalates