Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography Follow-Up of Resorbable Magnesium Scaffolds

An ancillary advantage of bioresorbable scaffolds is the possibility of non-invasive imaging assessment of the treated coronary segment. Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) studies of resorbable magnesium scaffolds (RMS) are scarce.

In this collaborative, international study, nine patients who had an RMS implanted underwent CCTA as part of follow-up assessment. Core-lab blinded quantitative and qualitative assessment was performed by an independent CCTA investigator.

Eight studies were amenable for quantitative analysis, and the blinded CT investigator successfully located and evaluated patency of RMS in all cases. The CCTA follow-up in-scaffold percentage diameter stenosis and area stenosis was 22.2% (12.4-30) and 39.1% (0.23-0.50), in keeping with mild in-scaffold late loss and underlying plaque growth. Moreover, a detailed coronary plaque characterization at treated segments was feasible (fibrous plaque in 69.9%, fibrofatty in 17.13%, necrotic in 4.78% and calcium in 5.72%). As in 6 out of 8 cases, the presentation was an acute coronary syndrome, these preliminary results could suggest plaque stabilization and a good coronary vessel healing with RMS.

Non-invasive, follow-up assessment of RMS with CCTA is feasible. Further CCTA studies for either clinical or research purposes with the present and upcoming generation of resorbable magnesium scaffolds are warranted.