Previous Cytomegalovirus Infection and Restenosis after Aggressive Angioplasty with Provisional Stenting

Objectives : The aim of this study was to determine the impact of previous infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) on restenosis after aggressive angioplasty with provisional stenting. Design: We prospectively studied 78 consecutive patients scheduled for 6‐month follow‐up coronary angiography as part of the SIPS study. Anti‐CMV IgG and IgM antibodies were measured on admission. Results: Anti‐CMV IgG positive and anti‐CMV IgG negative patients had similar minimal lumen diameter (MLD) in the target vessel before (0.68 ± 0.49 mm vs 0.71 ± 0.52 mm, P = 0.84) and directly after the intervention (2.50 ± 0.60 mm vs 2.57 ± 0.52 mm, P = 0.58). After 6 months, however, the MLD was significantly smaller in CMV‐positive as compared to CMV‐negative patients (1.57 ± 0.82 mm vs 2.00 ± 0.83 mm, P < 0.03). Net lumen gain at 6 months was significantly lower in CMV‐positive patients (0.89 ± 0.79 mm vs 1.30 ± 0.87 mm, P < 0.04) and the rate of clinically relevant restenosis was significantly higher (31% vs 7%, P < 0.02). In a multivariate logistic regression model, CMV seropositivity was an independent predictor of restenosis (odds ratio 5.7 (95%CI 1.2–30.3, P = 0.04). Conclusions: Six months after aggressive coronary angioplasty with provisional stenting, patients with prior CMV infection had a smaller MLD and a higher restenosis rate. CMV seropositivity was a strong independent predictor of restenosis. (J Interven Cardiol 2003;16:307–313)