Preoperative Assessment of High-Risk Aortic Plaque by Magnetization-Prepared Rapid Acquisition with Gradient-Echo Imaging in a Patient with Total Arch Replacement

Abstract

We present a case of a 70-year-old male who underwent surgical repair of an aortic arch aneurysm. Preoperative assessment of high-risk aortic plaque was performed using magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient-echo (MPRAGE) imaging. This preoperative image was compared with a histological analysis of plaque specimens from the aortic arch and neck vessels. A high signal intensity on MPRAGE images coincided with intraplaque hemorrhage. MPRAGE, which could detect a fragile plaque in the aorta, could be a powerful modality to prevent intraoperative stroke during cardiovascular surgery.