CT Findings of Early Post Operative Neurological Complication of Cardiovascular Surgeries

Introduction: The incidence of neurological complications related to cardiovascular surgeries is comparatively very high and associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to establish not only the use of non-contrast computed tomography in detecting the cause of neurological problems but also to evaluate the various spectrums of findings associated with various types of cardiovascular surgeries. Method: We retrospectively analyzed all the non-contrast computed tomography head of the postoperative cardio-vascular surgeries patients done in immediate postoperative period (<7days). Result: 45 (6.7%) patients developed neurological complications in the early post-operative period which comprised of our study group. Out of 45 patients, 08 (18%) patients were of pediatric age group ranging who underwent surgeries for congenital complex cardiac disorders. Out of 45 patients presenting with neurological symptoms, 15 (33%) patients had focal deficit (stroke) and 30 (77%) patients had non-focal deficit (like seizure, delirium or cognitive impairment). Stroke patients had more possibility to have positive CT scan findings than NFD. Out of 45 patients, 40 (88%) had positive CT scan findings and five patient had normal NCCT head. The various types of positive CT scan findings were19 ischemic infarct, 04 intra-parenchymal hemorrhages, 17 subdural hemorrhage, 03 sub-arachnoid hemorrhage and 01 cerebro-vascular thrombosis. Conclusion: Non-contrast computed tomography of head is very useful in early postoperative neurological complication in cardio-vascular surgeries not only in diagnosing the complication but also managing accordingly.