Table 2.

Selected differences and similarities between neoatherosclerosis within BMSs and DESs.

The analysis of 299 autopsies showed the incidence of neoatherosclerosis to be significantly greater in DESs (31%) than in BMSs (16%) (p < 0.001) [34].

Neoatherosclerosis occurs earlier in DESs (420 days (361–683)) in comparison to BMSs (2160 days (1800–2880)) (p < 0.001) [34].

Early neointima in DES consists of peristrut fibrin with a small amount of VSMCs within a proteoglycan-rich extracellular matrix with poor strut endothelialisation [35].

Neointima in BMS is relatively thick. It is mainly composed of VSMCs in a proteoglycan/collagenous matrix with endothelial coverage within 3 to 4 months [30].

In the case of stents implanted less than two years ago, in neoatherosclerosis within DES, there is a greater incidence of foamy macrophage clusters, as well as fibroatheromas [34].

It has been shown that neoatherosclerosis in BMSs occurs more frequently in the proximal than in the middle or distal segment. For DESs, no such difference was found [34].