Incidence, predictors, and outcome of reinfarction and stent thrombosis within one year after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Background: Reinfarction and stent thrombosis are major complications after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Objective: We sought to investigate the incidence, predictors, and outcome of reinfarction and stent thrombosis in a contemporary cohort of STEMI patients. Methods: Reinfarction and stent thrombosis within 1 year after primary PCI for STEMI were analyzed in the Thrombus Aspiration during Percutaneous coronary intervention in Acute myocardial infarction Study (TAPAS). Results: Reinfarction was observed in 3.4% (34/995) of patients within 1 year after primary PCI. Angiographic evidence of stent thrombosis was observed in 15/34 (44.1%). During the index primary PCI, intra‐aortic balloon counterpulsation was used in 10/32 (31.3%) patients with and 47/900 (5.2%) without reinfarction ( P < 0.001). After the index primary PCI, thrombus was visible in 6/34 (17.7%) with reinfarction when compared with that in 25/952 (2.6%) without reinfarction ( P < 0.001), and complete ST‐segment resolution in 8/33 (24.2%) compared with that in 462/892 (51.8%, P = 0.002). Mortality at 1 year after the index PCI was higher after reinfarction: 6/34 (17.7%) compared with 53/961 (5.5%, P = 0.003). Patients with stent thrombosis showed myocardial blush grade 0–1 in 11/15 (73.3%) cases, distal embolization in 8/15 (53.3%), and a mortality at 1 year of 4/15 (26.7%). Conclusions: In contemporary practice with primary PCI and triple antiplatelet therapy for STEMI, the incidence of reinfarction is low. Outcome characteristics after the index PCI were important determinants of reinfarction. However, reinfarction was associated with poor prognosis, and in particular patients with stent thrombosis had poor outcome. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.