The effects of beta-radiation therapy on nonstented adjacent segments in in-stent restenosis have not been sufficiently evaluated. beta-radiation therapy for in-stent restenosis was performed with a (188)Re-MAG(3)-filled balloon. We evaluated the effects of beta-radiation therapy on nonstented adjacent segments in in-stent restenosis by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) analysis in 50 patients who received radiation therapy vs. 9 control patients. The changes (Delta = follow-up - postintervention) of the external elastic membrane (EEM), the lumen, and other IVUS variables were compared between the segments that received radiation therapy and the control segments. The significant differences between the two groups were as follows: Delta EEM area was 0.3 mm(2) in the radiation vs. -1.0 mm(2) in the control (P = 0.005) and Delta lumen area was 0.2 mm(2) vs. -1.3 mm(2), respectively (P < 0.001). In conclusion, compared with the changes of vessel shrinkage in the control group, significant vessel enlargement occurred in the nonstented adjacent segments that received radiation therapy.
Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.