Detection of Cholesterol Crystals Using the Filter Paper Rinse Method in Very Late Stent Thrombosis Cases

Very late stent thrombosis (VLST) is a rare but critical complication of stent placement. In this report, we present 2 VLST cases diagnosed with neoatherosclerosis by detecting cholesterol crystals (CCs) via the filter paper rinse method. In terms of differentiating between neoatherosclerosis and stent thrombosis. There was no visible thrombus observed on thrombus aspiration. Examination of the blood sample obtained from the thrombus aspiration using the filter paper rinse method showed the presence of CCs under polarized light microscopy, thus, diagnosing VLST caused by neoatherosclerosis. Diagnosis of neoatherosclerosis would provide a rationale for intensive lipid-lowering therapy.