Calcification around the Struts of a Sirolimus-eluting Stent Approximately 16 Months after Implantation in an Autopsy Case

Abstract

Drug-eluting stents (DES) are widely used for the treatment of coronary artery disease, and a sirolimus-eluting stent (SES; Cypher) was the first DES introduced into clinical practice. Although pathological reactions of coronary arteries to SES have been described in autopsy cases, there are few reports regarding calcification of the coronary arteries after SES implantation.
The present report describes the findings of an autopsy conducted 16 months after SES implantation that showed remarkable persistent calcification. In addition, previously reported pertinent pathological findings are also described.