Current and evolving stent evaluation by coronary computed tomographic angiography

Objectives: To demonstrate the variety of stent abnormalities that may be evaluated by coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA). Background: The application of CTA to the evaluation of coronary stents has focused almost entirely on the detection of in-stent restenosis. Methods: All CTA performed for stent evaluation at a single institution were reviewed. Results: In addition to in-stent restenosis, stent fracture, and overlap failure, a multiplicity of stent-related problems not previously addressed by CTA was categorized and illustrated: late stent thrombosis, jailed branches, edge stenosis, bifurcation stents, inadequate stent expansion, stent aneurysms, peri-stent plaque, and stenting into bridged myocardium. Conclusions: CTA may be used to evaluate the full range of stent-related problems. This work provides the framework for future studies validating these applications.