Incidence, predictors, morphological characteristics, and clinical outcomes of stent edge dissections detected by optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Objectives: This study sought to investigate the frequency, predictors, and detailed qualitative and quantitative assessment of optical coherence tomography (OCT)-detected stent edge dissections. Its impact on subsequent management and clinical outcomes were also investigated.

Background: OCT is a high-resolution imaging modality that can lead to more frequent recognition and accurate assessment of vascular injuries during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: From September 2010 to June 2011, all patients with OCT post-PCI were enrolled. Edge dissections were defined as disruptions of the arterial lumen surface in both the 5-mm distal and proximal stent edges. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of all edges were performed at 0.2-mm intervals.

Results: In total, 395 edges (249 lesions in 230 patients) were analyzed. The overall incidence of OCT-detected edge dissection was 37.8%, and most (84%) were not apparent on angiography. Independent predictors for OCT-detected dissections were presence of atherosclerotic plaque at stent edges, calcification angle, minimum fibrous cap thickness, thin-cap fibroatheromas, stent/lumen eccentricity, and vessel overstretching. Mean dissection length measured 2.04 ± 1.60 mm, 96.2% appeared as flaps, and 52.8% extended beyond the intima/atheroma layer. Additional stenting was performed in 22.6% of all dissections, which were longer, had bigger dimensions, and promoted deeper vascular injury. The 12-month major adverse cardiac event rate was similar between patients with (7.95%) and without (5.69%, p = 0.581) dissections.

Conclusions: High rates of stent edge dissections were detected by OCT, usually related to the presence of atherosclerosis at stent edges and to PCI technique. Detailed OCT assessment of dissection severity was possible and affected the subsequent management of this complication. Non-flow-limiting, small, and superficial dissections left untreated proved benign.

Keywords: FC; IVUS; MACE; MI; OCT; OR; PCI; TCFA; coronary dissection; fibrous cap; intravascular ultrasound; major adverse cardiac event(s); myocardial infarction; odds ratio; optical coherence tomography; percutaneous coronary intervention; stent; thin-cap fibroatheroma.