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Abstract
Endovascular intervention has become the mainstay for most patients suffering from peripheral vascular disease. Deployments of stents are routinely utilized to restore flow in patients with claudication and critical limb ischemia, without regard for a patient’s metal allergy status. We report a patient with a known nickel allergy who underwent placement of a stainless steel stent for aortoiliac occlusive disease. Despite our attempt to avoid a nickel containing stent, the patient developed a diffuse rash consistent with a nickel/metal allergy. Laboratory work at the time demonstrated an elevated eosinophil concentration/level, consistent with a hypersensitivity reaction. A review of stainless steel metallurgy revealed that nickel, cobalt, and/or titanium are frequently utilized to provide anti-corrosive properties to stainless steel. The patient was subsequently taken to surgery for an explant of the stainless steel stent and an aorta -external iliac bypass with prosthetic graft was performed. The patient had complete resolution of his dermatologic symptoms shortly after surgery. A review of the clinical significance regarding the use of nickel-alloy stents in the setting of patients with a nickel allergy is discussed