Long-term multimodality imaging follow-up of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with bioresorbable vascular scaffold: advantages and challenges

Abstract

Background: Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) offers a non-invasive method of imaging bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS).

Objectives: To investigate the advantages and challenges using MSCT in the follow-up after BRS implantation.

Method: The BRS cohort consisting of 31 patients in the 'BRS in STEMI' trial was examined by multimodality imaging and followed long-term. Minimum lumen area (MLA) and average lumen area (ALA) were examined 12 and 36 months after BRS implantation with MSCT. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) at 12 months was used as a reference.

Results: Measured by MSCT, the mean MLA was 0.05 ± 1.32 mm² ( P = 0.85), but ALA was 1.32 (±2.59 mm², P = 0.015) greater than by OCT. ALA and MLA did not change significantly from 12 to 36 months. MSCT identified all cases of restenosis but missed one patient with massive malapposition.

Conclusion: Our data support using MSCT in the follow-up after BRS implantation. Invasive investigation should still be considered for patients with unexplained symptoms.