Very late paclitaxel-eluting stent thrombosis despite 21 months of clopidogrel treatment after percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract

Drug-eluting stents (DES) present a slightly higher incidence of stent thrombosis compared to bare metal stents and some cases of DES thrombosis are described in the literature. Therefore, there is consensus in recommending treatment with clopidogrel for at least 6 months in addition to life-long aspirin administration. We describe a case of very late paclitaxel-eluting stent thrombosis despite 21 months of clopidogrel treatment, which occurred just 2 weeks after its withdrawal, causing an acute coronary syndrome that was promptly resolved with an urgent invasive strategy. In our experience, paclitaxel-eluting stent thrombosis can occur several months after stent implantation despite prolonged clopidogrel treatment.