Infection of endovascular stents: an uncommon but important complication.

In this review article, four cases of peripheral endovascular stent infection (including a case presented in this issue of the journal) reported in the medical literature are reported. While the actual incidence of endovascular stent infection is probably low, when it occurs it can have serious consequences. This complication may result in the death of a patient, as seen in two of the case reports. The presentation of this complication, the site of stent deployment, the treatment given and the outcome in each of these cases are discussed. Stent infection should be recognized early to avoid the high morbidity and mortality of this complication.