Brain magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities following off-pump cardiac surgery.

Background: Neurological and cognitive deficits are known complications after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and are believed to be secondary to brain ischemia. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) of the brain is especially sensitive and can depict ischemic areas that may not be evident clinically or with conventional MRI. Abnormalities found at brain MRI following CABG performed with cardiopulmonary bypass (ie, on pump) have been reported, but data are limited for CABG performed without use of cardiopulmonary bypass (ie, off pump).