Pathological finding of sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) restenosis lesion with black hole appearance on intravascular ultrasound

Circ J. 2009 Oct;73(10):1969-71. doi: 10.1253/circj.cj-08-0354. Epub 2009 Jan 27.

Abstract

Restenosis still occurs, even with the sirolimus-eluting stent (SES), and the precise mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. In the present case, focal in-stent stenosis was discovered on angiography 16 months after SES implantation. Intravascular ultrasound revealed an echolucent homogeneous zone, which has been termed "black hole". A sample of stenotic tissue retrieved by aspiration revealed neointimal hyperplasia, composed of proteoglycans and smooth muscle cells with scanty cellularity. Furthermore, infiltration of many macrophages and T lymphocytes coexisted in the restenotic tissue. These findings suggest that delayed healing is 1 of the mechanisms of SES restenosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / adverse effects*
  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / instrumentation*
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Cardiovascular Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Restenosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Restenosis / etiology
  • Coronary Restenosis / pathology
  • Coronary Restenosis / therapy
  • Drug-Eluting Stents*
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia
  • Macrophages / pathology
  • Male
  • Sirolimus / administration & dosage*
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Tunica Intima / pathology
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional*

Substances

  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Sirolimus