Preoperative Chest Computed Tomography Screening Reduces the Perioperative Stroke Rate in Patients at Risk of Aortic Calcification

We evaluated the effect of preoperative chest computed tomography (CT) screening on the perioperative stroke rate in cardiosurgical patients at risk of aortic calcification. Between May 2019 and April 2020, 129 patients at risk of aortic calcification underwent non-contrast chest CT screening before their procedure. They were assigned to Group 1 and compared with a historical Group 2, who were treated the previous year without a preoperative CT scan. The primary endpoint was to determine postoperative stroke occurrence. The secondary outcomes were the rate reintubation/tracheostomy, the length of hospital stay, and any change in surgical strategy based on the CT findings. Groups 1 and 2 comprised 129 and 261 patients, respectively. Group 1 had a lower left ventricular ejection fraction, less carotid stenosis, a history of carotid endarterectomy, and a longer cross-clamp time. The surgical strategy was changed for 6 patients in Group 1. Group 1 had a significantly lower stroke rate. No significant differences were observed in reintubation and tracheostomy rates, or length of hospital stay. Lack of CT screening, age, aortic valve surgery, aortic surgery, and rethoracotomy were identified as independent risk factors for a stroke. Preoperative non-contrast chest CT screening of patients at risk of aortic calcification reduces postoperative stroke through adaptation of the surgical approach and should be used routinely in these patients.