Atrial Fibrillation Related Coronary Embolism: Diagnosis in the Focus

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in myocardial infarction (MI). AF can be caused by ischemia, and MI can be caused by AF. Additionally, 4-5% of MI cases are related to coronary embolism (CE), and one-third of cases are attributed to AF. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of AF-related CE cases among 3 consecutive years of STEMI cases. We also aimed to reveal the diagnostic accuracy of the Shibata criteria scoring system and the role of thrombus aspiration. Among 1181 STEMI patients, 157 had AF (13.2%). By using the Shibata's diagnostic criteria, 10 cases were classified as 'definitive' and 31 as 'probable' CE. After re-evaluation, a further five cases were classified as 'definitive'. Further analysis of the 15 CE cases revealed that CE was more prevalent in patients with previously known (n = 10) compared to those with new-onset (n = 5) AF (16.7% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.024). A PubMed search was performed, and 40 AF-related cases were found where the Shibata's criteria could be applied. Further, 31 cases could be classified as 'definitive', 4 as 'probable' and, in 5 cases, the embolic origin could be excluded. In 40% of reported cases and in 47% of our cases, thrombus aspiration helped in diagnosis.

Embolic myocardial infarction. Literature review and own research results

Patients with embolic myocardial infarction (MI) represent a high-risk group and, accordingly, require special attention of clinicians. This article discusses the most common causes of MI, related diagnostic criteria, antithrombotic therapy, and myocardial revascularization in this category of patients. The data of own clinical experience are also given.

Thrombus Aspiration for ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Modern Era: Still an Issue of Debate?

The role of manual thrombus aspiration (TA) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction has been a matter of intense research and debate now. Although recent randomized controlled clinical trials (notably TASTE [Thrombus Aspiration in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Scandinavia] and TOTAL [Trial of Routine Aspiration Thrombectomy With PCI Versus PCI Alone in Patients With STEMI]) do not supply evidence supporting the routine use of TA in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, manual TA remains a therapeutic option for interventional cardiologists when treating patients with substantial thrombus burden during PPCI. It remains unknown whether patients might actually benefit from TA applied in a more selective manner depending on the thrombus burden during PPCI, instead of routine application. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the instruments used in the TA procedure, positive as well as negative clinical effects of TA during PPCI, and analyze the potential reasons for observed effects, in an effort to help the clinical decision making by physicians for the use of TA in individual ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients during PPCI.

Manual aspiration thrombectomy devices use in coronary interventions in 2016

Percutaneous coronary intervention is a highly effective therapy of acute myocardial infarction. Restoration of microcirculation is however often sub-optimal with negative impact on patient outcome. Distal thrombus embolization may contribute to this issue. Simple manual aspiration thrombectomy catheters were developed with aim of thrombus extraction. There are several of these devices with very similar design. Thrombotic or atheromatous tissue is successfully retrieved in over 70% of patients. The initial results of small, often single center studies have provided encouraging results. Unfortunately, three further studies clearly demonstrated lack of any clinical benefit and routine use of manual aspiration thrombectomy cannot be recommended. Small but statistically significant increase in stroke rate is the major safety issue. Selective use in patients with large thrombus burden or suboptimal flow or perfusion is likely to continue and needs to be scientifically studied.