A correlation found between gold concentration in blood and patch test reactions in patients with coronary stents.

BACKGROUND: Patients with dental gold restorations are known to have a higher level of gold concentration in blood (B-Au). OBJECTIVES: To further investigate, in a study on patients with intracoronary stents and contact allergy to metals, the gold and nickel release from stainless steel stent with (Au stent) and without (Ni stent) gold plating. METHOD: A total of 460 patients treated with stenting underwent patch testing with metals, and information on gold and nickel exposure and blood samples were collected. About 200 blood samples were randomly selected and the analysis of B-Au and nickel concentration in blood (B-Ni) was made using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: There was a correlation between the intensity of Au patch test reaction and B-Au (P < 0.001). This correlation could not be seen between Ni patch test reaction and B-Ni. A Au stent gave a fivefold higher B-Au than a Ni stent. CONCLUSIONS: Gold is released from the Au stent and patients with a Au stent have a fivefold higher B-Au than patients with an Ni stent. The patch test reactions for gold were correlated with B-Au.