CORRELATION OF BRAIN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING INCLUDING DIFFUSION-WEIGHTED IMAGING WITH NEUROCOGNITIVE OUTCOME IN CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING (CABG) PATIENTS

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the new lesions on magnetic resonance imaging including diffusion-weighted imaging (MRI-DWI) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and its relationship with neurocognitive outcome. Methods: In this prospective study, bilateral carotid and vertebral Doppler study was done before CABG surgery and the brain MRI protocol including fluid attenuation inversion recovery and DWI was applied 1–4 days before surgery and 6–12 weeks after surgery. Neuropsychological examinations were administered to both groups before and 6–12 weeks after surgery. Results: A total of 66 patients were included in the study. On pre-operative angiogram, CABG had less double-vessel (31.8%) and more triple-vessel disease (65.15%). MRI brain with DWI was performed preoperatively in 50 (75.75%) of 66 CABG patients. Before surgery, no diffusion abnormalities were found on DW images. In those who underwent MRI, no lesions were found in 21 (31.82%) CABG patients. Bilateral small vessel ischemic disease (SVID) or periventricular lucencies was seen in 23 (34.85%) CABG patients. Bilateral SVID with lacunar infarct was seen in 4 (6.06%) CABG patients. Lacunar infarct and wedge infarct were seen in 1 (1.52%) patient each. At follow-up, MRI brain with DWI was performed only in 54 (81.82%) CABG patients. There was no significant change found postoperatively on brain MRI imaging. There was also no significant difference before and after CABG patients in cognitive function. Conclusion: This study concluded that CABG has no relation in the form of brain MRI changes with the cognition function of the patients.