Coronary artery aneurysm formation after drug-coated balloon treatment of de novo lesions: Two case reports

RATIONALE: The safety and efficacy of drug-coated balloon (DCB) technology have primarily been proven in the treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis. Whereas increasing evidences show that DCB use was feasible in certain de novo coronary lesions. In 2012, Vassilev reported the 1st case in which a coronary aneurysm formed after a DCB was used to treat drug-eluting stent (DES) restenosis. To date, limited information has been reported on coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) development following DCB treatment of de novo lesions. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 42-year-old male underwent delayed coronary angiography due to extensive anterior wall myocardial infarction. After balloon predilation in the mid-left anterior descending (LAD) artery, the residual 30% stenosis without major dissection was treated with a DCB. Angiographic follow-up at 6 and 12 months revealed an aneurysm in the treated area of the LAD artery, with positive vascular remodeling behind this aneurysm. A 54-year-old male with nonstent thrombosis elevation myocardial infarction underwent elective catheterization. Coronary angiography revealed critical stenosis in the LAD and significant narrowing at the distal segments of both the left circumflex artery (LCX) and the nondominant right coronary artery. After predilation of the lesion in the LCX, the residual 30% stenosis was treated with a DCB. The lesion in the LAD was treated with a DCB either. Angiography follow-up at 6 months revealed good results in the LAD; however, an aneurysm was observed in the DCB-treated area of the LCX. DIAGNOSIS: The CAA formation after DCB treatment of de novo lesions. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: Because the 2 patients were asymptomatic upon diagnosis, the aneurysms were left untreated. Long-term dual antiplatelet therapy and intense follow-up were recommended. LESSONS: Our cases raise questions regarding the safety of DCB treatment for de novo lesions in real-world contexts. There might be a need to clarify the appropriate doses for drugs coated on DCBs. Although indications for DCB treatment for de novo coronary lesions should not be overly aggressively broadened, the potential role of such treatment in this context merits additional elucidation in future studies.