Coronary stent infection: Interesting cases with varied presentation

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Device Complications

Background:

• Drug-eluting stent implantation is a common procedure for coronary artery disease.
• Stent infection is a rare but severe complication with significant morbidity and mortality.
• Varied clinical presentations can delay diagnosis and treatment.

Observation:

• Two cases of coronary stent infection are presented with distinct clinical courses.
• One patient experienced recurrent stent thrombosis and acute coronary syndrome.
• Another patient was misdiagnosed with tubercular pericarditis, delaying appropriate treatment.

Findings:

• Coronary stent infection can manifest atypically, challenging diagnosis.
• Prompt identification and management are crucial to prevent fatal outcomes.
• Awareness of risk factors and potential diagnostic pitfalls is essential.

Implications:

• This report highlights the importance of considering stent infection in patients with unexplained cardiac events post-stenting.
• It emphasizes the need for rapid diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies.
• Understanding rare associations, like JAK2 V617F mutation, may aid in managing complex cases.