Coronary Stent Infection: A Systematic Review of Literature

Coronary stent infection is a rare yet serious complication of coronary artery stenting, with potentially significant morbidity and mortality. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively assess the available evidence on the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of coronary stent infection. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus, was conducted from inception until March 2023, in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A total of 1 case series and 41 case reports, covering a cumulative sample size of 44 patients, were included in the analysis. The predominant stent types were drug-eluting stents in 22 studies, bare-metal stents in 3 studies, and a combination of drug-eluting stents and bare-metal stents in 4 studies. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant identified organism in microbiological profiles. Primary outcomes, including mortality, morbidity, and recurrence rates, were evaluated. The aggregate mortality rate across studies was 18%, underscoring the severity of coronary stent infections. Morbidity ranged from 3% to 60%, with a spectrum of complications such as sepsis, heart failure, and embolic events. Recurrence rates varied from 3% to 33%, emphasizing the importance of effective management. Treatment strategies encompassed antibiotics alone, antibiotics with stent removal, and antibiotics with stent retention, with the duration of antibiotic therapy ranging from 2 weeks to 12 months. The optimal management strategy remains uncertain due to limited high-quality evidence. Early diagnosis and treatment were emphasized as critical factors in improving outcomes. Prophylactic antibiotics during stenting procedures and increased awareness among healthcare providers were suggested as preventive measures.