Does 16-slice multidetector computed tomography improve stent patency and in-stent restenosis evaluation?

AIM: To assess the value of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the non-invasive evaluation of stents. METHODS: We studied 88 patients (142 stents): 48 with 1.2-mm MDCT, 40 with 0.6-mm MDCT considering accuracy in assessing the vessel lumen, stent patency and intra-stent restenosis. Coronary angiography comprised the gold standard. RESULTS: Occlusion was detected, respectively, in three of 72 versus four of 70 cases. Patency was assessed in all cases. In-stent restenosis was diagnosed in two of eight cases with thin-slice MDCT. CONCLUSIONS: 0.6-mm MDCT allows a better visualization of stent lumen and in-stent restenosis versus 1.2-mm MDCT.