Relation of C-reactive protein to restenosis after coronary stent implantation and to restenosis after coronary atherectomy

To determine whether the inflammatory response is equally involved in the pathogenesis of restenosis after coronary stenting and directional coronary atherectomy, we assessed restenoitic lesions with immunohistochemical methods. Levels of C-reactive protein and macrophages were greater in patients with in-stent restenosis than in those with restenosis after directional coronary atherectomy. This suggests that the inflammatory response is more involved in the pathogenesis of in-stent restenosis than in restenosis after directional coronary atherectomy. (C) 2004 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.