Outcomes, risk factors, and procedural management of acute myocardial infarction caused by stent thrombosis

Coronary stent thrombosis (ST) is a rare but severe complication of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) with significant implications for patient outcomes. Despite advancements in antiplatelet medications and drug-eluting stent (DES) technology, ST remains associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Notably, ST is an adverse event arising from various factors, including patient characteristics, stent-related issues, and procedural complications. In such a context, intravascular imaging (IVI) plays a pivotal role in assessing the underlying mechanisms and guiding treatment decisions. The use of thrombus aspiration and intracoronary antithrombotic therapies have been debated in the context of de novo acute myocardial infarction, but they could have a remarkable role for ST. However, the optimal management of ST requires individualized approaches tailored to patient-specific factors. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of ST, encompassing its incidence, outcomes, and risk factors, focusing on procedural acute management.