Neoatherosclerosis causing occlusive in-stent restenosis: Impact of intracoronary imaging in the intensity of lipid-lowering therapy

Abstract

The unique physical properties of optical coherence tomography (OCT) make it a useful technique in the study of restenosis mechanisms. In fact, OCT is able to differentiate between neointimal proliferation and neoatherosclerosis within the stent. We report a rare case of occlusive neoatherosclerosis presenting beyond one year after a successful drug-eluting stent implantation. The impact of OCT findings in the clinical decision making process is emphasized.

Keywords: In-stent restenosis; Neoatherosclerosis; Optical coherence tomography.