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Benenati S, Campo G, Seitun S, Caglioni S, Leone AM, Porto I. Ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery (INOCA): Non-invasive versus invasive techniques for diagnosis and the role of #FullPhysiology. Eur J Intern Med 2024; 127:15-24. [PMID: 39039011 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2024.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) is an increasingly recognized entity. It encompasses different pathophysiological subtypes (i.e., endotypes), including coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), vasospastic angina (VSA) and mixed entities resulting from the variable combination of both. Diagnosing INOCA and precisely characterizing the endotype allows for accurate medical treatment and has proven prognostic implications. A breadth of diagnostic technique is available, ranging from non-invasive approaches to invasive coronary angiography adjuvated by functional assessment and provocative tests. This review summarizes the strength and limitations of these methodologies and provides the rationale for the routine referral for invasive angiography and functional assessment in this subset of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Benenati
- Department of Internal Medicine (Di.M.I.), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Campo
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona (FE), Italy
| | - Sara Seitun
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Serena Caglioni
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona (FE), Italy
| | - Antonio Maria Leone
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy; Center of Excellence in Cardiovascular Sciences, Ospedale Isola Tiberina - Gemelli Isola, Roma
| | - Italo Porto
- Department of Internal Medicine (Di.M.I.), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Cardiovascular Disease Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS Italian Cardiology Network, Genova, Italy.
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2
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Denby KJ, Zmaili M, Datta S, Das T, Ellis S, Ziada K, Lerman A, Raphael CE. Developments and Controversies in Invasive Diagnosis of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Angina With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries. Mayo Clin Proc 2024; 99:1469-1481. [PMID: 39232622 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2024.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Approximately half of all coronary angiograms performed for angina do not show obstructive coronary artery disease, and many of these patients have coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). Invasive testing for CMD has increased with the advent and wider availability of thermodilution systems. We review CMD pathophysiology and invasive diagnostic testing using the Doppler and thermodilution systems. We report the results of a PubMed search of invasive microvascular testing and discuss limitations of current diagnostic algorithms in the diagnosis of CMD, including controversies regarding the optimal cutoff value for abnormal coronary flow reserve, use of microvascular resistance indices, and options for increasing sensitivity of testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara J Denby
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise, ID
| | - Mohammad Zmaili
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
| | - Sudarshana Datta
- Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute, Texas Medical Center, Houston
| | - Thomas Das
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
| | - Stephen Ellis
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
| | - Khaled Ziada
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
| | - Amir Lerman
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Claire E Raphael
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
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3
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Pavasini R, Biscaglia S, Kunadian V, Hakeem A, Campo G. Coronary artery disease management in older adults: revascularization and exercise training. Eur Heart J 2024; 45:2811-2823. [PMID: 38985545 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehae435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The mean age of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is steadily increasing. In older patients, there is a tendency to underutilize invasive approach, coronary revascularization, up-to-date pharmacological therapies, and secondary prevention strategies, including cardiac rehabilitation. Older adults with CAD commonly exhibit atypical symptoms, multi-vessel disease involvement, complex coronary anatomy, and a higher presence of risk factors and comorbidities. Although both invasive procedures and medical treatments are characterized by a higher risk of complications, avoidance may result in a suboptimal outcome. Often, overlooked factors, such as coronary microvascular disease, malnutrition, and poor physical performance, play a key role in determining prognosis, yet they are not routinely assessed or addressed in older patients. Historically, clinicians have relied on sub-analyses or observational findings to make clinical decisions, as older adults were frequently excluded or under-represented in clinical studies. Recently, dedicated evidence through randomized clinical trials has become available for older CAD patients. Nevertheless, the management of older CAD patients still raises several important questions. This review aims to comprehensively summarize and critically evaluate this emerging evidence, focusing on invasive management and coronary revascularization. Furthermore, it seeks to contextualize these interventions within the framework of improved risk stratification tools for older CAD patients, through user-friendly scales along with emphasizing the importance of promoting physical activity and exercise training to enhance the outcomes of invasive and medical treatments. This comprehensive approach may represent the key to improving prognosis in the complex and growing patient population of older CAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Pavasini
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simone Biscaglia
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Vijay Kunadian
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Cardiothoracic Centre, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Abdul Hakeem
- National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Gianluca Campo
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
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4
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De Filippo O, Peano V, Pasquero M, Templin C, Cammann VL, D'Ascenzo F, De Ferrari GM. Takotsubo syndrome: Impact of medical therapies on prognosis. A state of art review. Curr Probl Cardiol 2024; 49:102623. [PMID: 38718931 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Tako-Tsubo syndrome (TTS) presents as transient ventricular dysfunction, yet its underlying pathophysiology remains enigmatic. The prognosis of patients presenting with TTS appears to be impaired as compared to the general population and is similar to patients with acute coronary syndromes. Recent investigations have predominantly focused on elucidating therapeutic strategies associated with improved outcomes, particularly among post-menopausal female patients. Current evidence suggests that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) may confer a survival advantage in TTS. Notably, ACEi emerges as the sole therapeutic modality demonstrating efficacy in both acute and chronic clinical courses of TTS. Despite this, the magnitude of survival benefit remains less pronounced than anticipated. This underscores the need for further research to explore additional therapeutic pathways and optimize management strategies for this unique patient cohort. Randomized clinical trials and meta-analysis are paramount in discerning the most effective therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing survival and ameliorating outcomes in TTS. This review aims to comprehensively synthesize evidence pertaining to the prognostic implications of cardiovascular medications in TTS management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovidio De Filippo
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, "Citta della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Vanessa Peano
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, "Citta della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, Turin, Italy; Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marta Pasquero
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, "Citta della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, Turin, Italy; Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Christian Templin
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Victoria L Cammann
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabrizio D'Ascenzo
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, "Citta della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, Turin, Italy; Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Gaetano Maria De Ferrari
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, "Citta della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, Turin, Italy; Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Monizzi G, Di Lenarda F, Gallinoro E, Bartorelli AL. Myocardial Ischemia: Differentiating between Epicardial Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis, Microvascular Dysfunction and Vasospasm in the Catheterization Laboratory. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4172. [PMID: 39064213 PMCID: PMC11277575 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease is currently the most common cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Although myocardial ischemia is classically determined by epicardial coronary atherosclerosis, up to 40% of patients referred for coronary angiography have no obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) has typically been underestimated in the past because, until recently, its prognostic significance was not completely clear. This review aims to highlight differences and patterns in myocardial ischemia caused by epicardial obstructive CAD, coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) or vasomotor abnormalities and to elucidate the state of the art in correctly diagnosing these different patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Monizzi
- Division of University Cardiology, IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant’Ambrogio, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.D.L.); (E.G.); (A.L.B.)
| | - Francesca Di Lenarda
- Division of University Cardiology, IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant’Ambrogio, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.D.L.); (E.G.); (A.L.B.)
| | - Emanuele Gallinoro
- Division of University Cardiology, IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant’Ambrogio, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.D.L.); (E.G.); (A.L.B.)
| | - Antonio Luca Bartorelli
- Division of University Cardiology, IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant’Ambrogio, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.D.L.); (E.G.); (A.L.B.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, “Luigi Sacco”, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Marchi E, Muraca I, Berteotti M, Gori AM, Valenti R, Marcucci R. Adenosine in Interventional Cardiology: Physiopathologic and Pharmacologic Effects in Coronary Artery Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5852. [PMID: 38892037 PMCID: PMC11172110 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This review article focuses on the role of adenosine in coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis and treatment. Adenosine, an endogenous purine nucleoside, plays crucial roles in cardiovascular physiology and pathology. Its release and effects, mediated by specific receptors, influence vasomotor function, blood pressure regulation, heart rate, and platelet activity. Adenosine therapeutic effects include treatment of the no-reflow phenomenon and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The production of adenosine involves complex cellular pathways, with extracellular and intracellular synthesis mechanisms. Adenosine's rapid metabolism underscores its short half-life and physiological turnover. Furthermore, adenosine's involvement in side effects of antiplatelet therapy, particularly ticagrelor and cangrelor, highlights its clinical significance. Moreover, adenosine serves as a valuable tool in CAD diagnosis, aiding stress testing modalities and guiding intracoronary physiological assessments. Its use in assessing epicardial stenosis and microvascular dysfunction is pivotal for treatment decisions. Overall, understanding adenosine's mechanisms and clinical implications is essential for optimizing CAD management strategies, encompassing both therapeutic interventions and diagnostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Marchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, School of Human Health Sciences, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Iacopo Muraca
- Division of Interventional Cardiology, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Berteotti
- Atherothrombotic Center, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy (R.M.)
| | - Anna Maria Gori
- Atherothrombotic Center, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy (R.M.)
| | - Renato Valenti
- Division of Interventional Cardiology, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Rossella Marcucci
- Atherothrombotic Center, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy (R.M.)
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Della Mora F, Portolan L, Terentes-Printzios D, Vicerè A, Andreaggi S, Biasin M, Pesarini G, Tavella D, Maffeis C, Tafciu E, Benfari G, Oikonomou D, Gkini KP, Galante D, Tsioufis K, Vlachopoulos C, Leone AM, Ribichini F, Scarsini R. Comprehensive Angiography-Derived Functional Assessment of Epicardial and Microvascular Coronary Disease. Correlation With Non-invasive Myocardial Stress Imaging. Am J Cardiol 2024; 217:144-152. [PMID: 38431052 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2024.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Coronary angiography (CA) is poorly correlated with non-invasive myocardial stress imaging (NSI) and myocardial ischemia is often observed in patients with unobstructed coronary arteries. Moreover, the diagnostic performance of combined epicardial and microcirculatory angiography-derived physiological assessment and its correlation with NSI remains unknown. A total of 917 coronary vessels in 319 patients who underwent both CA and NSI were included in this multicenter observational retrospective analysis. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) and angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (IMRangio) analyses were performed to estimate coronary epicardial and microcirculatory function respectively. NSI demonstrated evidence of myocardial ischemia in 76% of the cases. IMRangio (36 [22 to 50] vs 29 [21 to 41], p <0.001) was significantly higher and QFR (0.92 [0.78 to 0.99] vs 0.97 [0.91 to 0.99], p <0.001) was significantly lower in vessels subtending ischemic territories. Overall, the diagnostic accuracy of QFR was moderate (area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic [AUCROC] 0.632 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.589 to 0.674], p <0.0001) but it was higher in patients with normal microcirculatory function (AUCROC = 0.726 [95% CI 0.669 to 0.784], p <0.0001, p Value for AUCROC comparison = 0.009). Combined QFR/IMRangio assessment provided incremental diagnostic performance compared with the evaluation of epicardial or microcirculatory districts in isolation (p Value for AUC comparison <0.0001) and it was able to identify the predominant mechanism of myocardial ischemia in 77% of the patients with positive NSI. Our study suggests the value of a combined angiography-derived assessment of epicardial and microvascular function for the definition of the predominant mechanism of myocardial ischemia in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Della Mora
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Leonardo Portolan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Dimitrios Terentes-Printzios
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Andrea Vicerè
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Andreaggi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Biasin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pesarini
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Domenico Tavella
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Caterina Maffeis
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elvin Tafciu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Benfari
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Dimitrios Oikonomou
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantia-Paraskevi Gkini
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Domenico Galante
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalambos Vlachopoulos
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Flavio Ribichini
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Roberto Scarsini
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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Campo G, Erriquez A, Biscaglia S. Perfect Wedding Between Patient With STEMI and Angiography-Derived Indexes of Coronary Physiology. Circ Cardiovasc Interv 2024; 17:e013944. [PMID: 38375668 DOI: 10.1161/circinterventions.124.013944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Campo
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona (FE), Italy
| | - Andrea Erriquez
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona (FE), Italy
| | - Simone Biscaglia
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona (FE), Italy
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Martens B, Michiels V, Argacha JF, Cosyns B. Normalization of FFR CT after surgical unroofing of a myocardial bridge: a case report. Eur Heart J Case Rep 2024; 8:ytae005. [PMID: 38223511 PMCID: PMC10787362 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Cardiac computed tomography angiography derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) is a diastolic measurement and has emerged as a valuable non-invasive alternative to FFR in patients with stable coronary artery disease. It has, unlike FFR during coronary angiography, not been validated for the physiological evaluation of an isolated myocardial bridge (MB) so far. Case summary Our patient, previously known with a long myocardial bridge of the mid-segment of the left anterior descending artery, presented with a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction that was treated by surgical unroofing of the MB. FFRCT after surgery confirms a major amelioration of coronary blood flow. Discussion Myocardial bridge may rarely present as a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. FFRCT has thus far been accepted as a useful diagnostic tool in stable coronary artery disease. Our case report suggests that cardiac computed tomography angiography may be considered a useful technique for anatomical and physiological evaluation of MBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Broes Martens
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 101, Jette, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Vincent Michiels
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 101, Jette, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Jean-François Argacha
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 101, Jette, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Bernard Cosyns
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 101, Jette, Brussels 1090, Belgium
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Ciaramella L, Di Serafino L, Mitrano L, De Rosa ML, Carbone C, Rea FS, Monaco S, Scalamogna M, Cirillo P, Esposito G. Invasive Assessment of Coronary Microcirculation: A State-of-the-Art Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 14:86. [PMID: 38201395 PMCID: PMC10795746 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A significant proportion of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of myocardial ischemia have no "significant" epicardial disease; thereby, the assessment of coronary microcirculation gained an important role in improving diagnosis and guiding therapy. In fact, coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) could be found in a large proportion of these patients, supporting both symptoms and signs of myocardial ischemia. However, CMD represents a diagnostic challenge for two main reasons: (1) the small dimension of the coronary microvasculature prevents direct angiographic visualization, and (2) despite the availability of specific diagnostic tools, they remain invasive and underused in the current clinical practice. For these reasons, CMD remains underdiagnosed, and most of the patients remain with no specific treatment and quality-of-life-limiting symptoms. Of note, recent evidence suggests that a "full physiology" approach for the assessment of the whole coronary vasculature may offer a significant benefit in terms of symptom improvement among patients presenting with ischemia and non-obstructive coronary artery disease. We analyze the pathophysiology of coronary microvascular dysfunction, providing the readers with a guide for the invasive assessment of coronary microcirculation, together with the available evidence supporting its use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luigi Di Serafino
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.C.); (L.M.); (M.L.D.R.); (C.C.); (F.S.R.); (S.M.); (M.S.); (P.C.); (G.E.)
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