Detection of very delayed coronary stent fracture using a novel fluoroscopic stent visualization technique against intravascular ultrasound

RATIONALE Stent fracture has received increased concern as it may be an important risk factor for late stent failure, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is always recommended to confirm the diagnosis of stent fracture. StentBoost can detect stent fractures more easily due to the enhanced stent strut visibility, compared with coronary angiography (CAG). Few cases were reported to compare the advantages of StentBoost vis-à-vis IVUS in detecting stent fracture. PATIENT CONCERNS We reported 3 cases that were confirmed the diagnosis of stent fracture by StentBoost, which were preliminarily suspected by angiography, including one case that lacked the IVUS evidence of stent fracture. DIAGNOSES 3 cases of stent fracture presented with asymptomatic, angina and acute myocardial infarction, respectively. INTERVENTION Stents were implanted in the patients of case 2 and case 3, but the patient of case 1 was not given any intervention. OUTCOMES No recurrent angina or myocardial infarction during outpatient follow-up. LESSONS StentBoost may distinguish partial, complete, or multiple stent fracture, even which sometimes is not obvious in IVUS, StentBoost is a useful and handy tool for identifying the stent struts.