Abstract

RUBIO-REGIDOR, M et al. Neurological complications in cardiac surgery post-operative period. Med. Intensiva [online]. 2007, vol.31, n.5, pp.241-250. ISSN 0210-5691.

The incidence of neurological complications after cardiac surgery continues to be elevated, although this is variable in the different studies published, fundamentally because of the different populations studied and the different definitions of neurological dysfunction. The etiology of these alterations is attributed to a multifactorial origin, aortic artherosclerosis, cerebral hypoperfusion and inflammatory phenomenon secondary to the technique. This review arises from the recognition of the personal, economic, and socio-health care repercussion entailed by these complications, with high rates of mortality and morbidity recorded, and it tries to give an objective view of the current literature on the subject. Having knowledge of the risk markers and understanding the pathogenesis is important to try to plan strategies that may minimize the appearance and development of these complications and contribute to the decrease of their serious consequences. The data and the experience obtained by our group are shown at the end of the review.

Keywords : cardiac surgery; cerebrovascular accident; ischemic encephalopathy; neurological manifestations.