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. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.