Background: A diffuse pattern of in-stent restenosis (ISR) has been shown to have a worse prognosis when compared to a focal pattern. It is still unknown whether baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) levels predict ISR pattern.
Methods: Our database was searched retrospectively for patients presenting with ISR after m-TOR inhibitor drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation from January 2007 to December 2009. Angiographic restenosis patterns were evaluated according to the simplified Mehran classification and patients were allocated either to the diffuse or focal pattern group. Predictors of restenosis pattern were assessed among clinical, angiographic, procedural and laboratory data, including baseline high-sensitivity CRP, recorded at the time of the first percutaneous intervention.
Results: 72 patients (age, 65 ± 9 years; male sex, 64%) found to have ISR after DES implantation were enrolled. 34 patients presented with a focal pattern, whereas 38 patients presented with a diffuse pattern. At multivariate analysis, CRP levels were the only independent predictor of a diffuse ISR pattern [odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-4.3; p = 0.001)]. Rising CRP tertiles were associated with an increased rate of diffuse pattern (13% versus 26% versus 61%; p for trend = 0.0001).
Conclusion: Baseline CRP serum levels are associated with a diffuse ISR pattern after m-TOR inhibitor DES implantation. These findings suggest that baseline inflammatory reactivity may contribute to aggressive restenosis occurring despite drug elution.