Differential Diagnosis for Stent Migration
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Stent malposition: This is the most direct cause of stent migration, where the stent is not placed correctly in the intended location, leading to its movement from the original placement site.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Stent thrombosis: Although not a direct cause of migration, thrombosis can lead to stent displacement due to the formation of a clot that can dislodge the stent.
- Intimal hyperplasia: Overgrowth of tissue inside the stent can cause it to become dislodged over time.
- Stent fracture: A broken stent can migrate due to loss of structural integrity.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Aortic dissection: If a stent migrates into the aorta, it could potentially cause a dissection, which is a life-threatening condition.
- Pulmonary embolism: If a migrated stent enters the pulmonary circulation, it could cause a blockage, leading to a potentially fatal embolism.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Stent embolization to a distant site: Although rare, a migrated stent can potentially travel to and lodge in a distant part of the body, causing unexpected symptoms.
- Erosion into adjacent structures: In rare cases, a migrated stent can erode into nearby organs or structures, leading to severe complications.