Pharmacotherapy and cardiovascular challenges: a case report of olverembatinib-induced myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries.

The anticancer drug of tyrosine kinase-inhibitors (TKIs) has significantly improved the prognosis of patients with specific leukemia but has also increased the risk of organ adverse reactions. Herein, we present a case of a patient diagnosed with myeloproliferative neoplasms who experienced recurrent chest pain after receiving treatment with Olverembatinib. Electrocardiography and coronary angiography confirmed the diagnosis of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries. This case serves as a reminder for clinicians to pay more attention and actively prevent the cardiac adverse reactions of TKIs when using such medications.

Prognostic Implications of Coronary Artery Sclerosis in Troponin-Positive Patients with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary sclerosis is a risk factor for the progression to obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). However, understanding its impact on the outcomes of patients with myocardial infarction and non-obstructive coronary arteries is limited. This study aimed to explore the prognostic influence of coronary sclerosis on in- and out-of-hospital events in troponin-positive patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries. METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort analysis based on prospectively collected data. A total of 24,775 patients who underwent coronary angiography from 2010 to 2021 in a German university hospital were screened, resulting in a final study cohort of 373 troponin-positive patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries and a follow-up period of 6.2 ± 3.1 years. Coronary sclerosis was defined as coronary plaques without angiographically detectable stenotic lesions of 50% or more in the large epicardial coronary arteries. The primary study endpoint was the occurrence of in-hospital events. Secondary endpoints included events during follow-up. RESULTS: Patients with coronary sclerosis were significantly older (70 ± 12 vs. 58 ± 16 years, p < 0.001), had ST-segment elevation less frequently on electrocardiogram (9.4% vs. 18.7%, p = 0.013), and suffered more often from diabetes mellitus (23.3% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.009), arterial hypertension (79.6% vs. 59.8%, p < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (17.1% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.028), chronic kidney disease (22.2% vs. 8.4%, p < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (19.8% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.045), and valvular diseases than patients without CAD. Patients with coronary sclerosis were more likely to receive medication for primary/secondary prevention on admission and at discharge. The incidence of in- and out-of-hospital events was significantly higher in patients with coronary sclerosis (in-hospital: 42.8% vs. 29.9%, p = 0.010; out-of-hospital: 46.0% vs. 26.1%, p < 0.001). Mortality rates tended to be higher in the coronary sclerosis group (29.4% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.066). CONCLUSION: Patients diagnosed with coronary sclerosis presented a higher incidence of comorbidities and increased medication use, and experienced higher rates of both in-hospital and out-of-hospital events, primarily due to the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors.

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Before Invasive Coronary Angiography in Suspected Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: In suspected non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), this presumed diagnosis may not hold true in all cases, particularly in patients with nonobstructive coronary arteries (NOCA). Additionally, in multivessel coronary artery disease, the presumed infarct-related artery may be incorrect. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess the diagnostic utility of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) before invasive coronary angiogram (ICA) in suspected NSTEMI. METHODS: A total of 100 consecutive stable patients with suspected acute NSTEMI (70% male, age 62 ± 11 years) prospectively underwent CMR pre-ICA to assess cardiac function (cine), edema (T2-weighted imaging, T1 mapping), and necrosis/scar (late gadolinium enhancement). CMR images were interpreted blinded to ICA findings. The clinical care and ICA teams were blinded to CMR findings until post-ICA. RESULTS: Early CMR (median 33 hours postadmission and 4 hours pre-ICA) confirmed only 52% (52 of 100) of patients had subendocardial infarction, 15% transmural infarction, 18% nonischemic pathologies (myocarditis, Takotsubo and other forms of cardiomyopathies), and 11% normal CMR; 4% were nondiagnostic. Subanalyses according to ICA findings showed that, in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (73 of 100), CMR confirmed only 84% (61 of 73) had MI, 10% (7 of 73) nonischemic pathologies, and 5% (4 of 73) normal. In patients with NOCA (27 of 100), CMR found MI in only 22% (6 of 27 true MI with NOCA), and reclassified the presumed diagnosis of NSTEMI in 67% (18 of 27: 11 nonischemic pathologies, 7 normal). In patients with CMR-MI and obstructive coronary artery disease (61 of 100), CMR identified a different infarct-related artery in 11% (7 of 61). CONCLUSIONS: In patients presenting with suspected NSTEMI, a CMR-first strategy identified MI in 67%, nonischemic pathologies in 18%, and normal findings in 11%. Accordingly, CMR has the potential to affect at least 50% of all patients by reclassifying their diagnosis or altering their potential management.

Coronary artery thromboembolism as a cause of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA).

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) usually represents the clinical manifestation of atherothrombotic coronary artery disease (CAD) resulting from atherosclerotic plaque rupture. However, there are cases in which coronary angiography or coronary computed tomography angiography reveals patients with acute coronary syndrome with non-obstructive CAD. This clinical entity is defined as myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) and often considered as a clinical dynamic working diagnosis that needs further investigations for the establishment of a final etiologic diagnosis. The main causes of a MINOCA working diagnosis include atherosclerotic, non-atherosclerotic (vessel-related and non-vessel-related), and thromboembolic causes This literature review aimed to investigate the major thromboembolic causes in patients presenting with MINOCA regarding their etiology and pathophysiologic mechanisms, as well as diagnostic and treatment methods.

Stratified medicine for acute and chronic coronary syndromes: A patient-tailored approach.

The traditional approach to management of cardiovascular disease relies on grouping clinical presentations with common signs and symptoms into pre-specified disease pathways, all uniformly treated according to evidence-based guidelines ("one-size-fits-all"). The goal of precision medicine is to provide the right treatment to the right patients at the right time, combining data from time honoured sources (e.g., history, physical examination, imaging, laboratory) and those provided by multi-omics technologies. In patients with ischemic heart disease, biomarkers and intravascular assessment can be used to identify endotypes with different pathophysiology who may benefit from distinct treatments. This review discusses strategies for the application of stratified management to patients with acute and chronic coronary syndromes.

Severe multifocal coronary artery spasms after cessation of vasodilators in a patient with a spontaneous coronary artery dissection: a case report.

Background: Vasospastic angina (VSA) and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) are challenging causes of non-atherosclerotic acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Here, we report a unique ACS case with coexisting VSA and SCAD, highlighting specific strategies in diagnosis and management of these poorly studied conditions. Case summary: A woman in her mid-60s with a history of suspected microvascular angina and no atherosclerosis in a previously performed coronary computed tomography angiography presented with worsening chest pain. Invasive coronary angiography revealed a focal SCAD with a resulting high-degree stenosis of the right coronary artery. Shortly after successful percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation and stopping her previous vasodilator therapy with nitroglycerine and molsidomine, the patient developed recurrent anterior non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Surprisingly, repeat coronary angiography revealed severe multifocal coronary artery spasms that were successfully treated with intracoronary nitroglycerine. Vasospastic angina was subsequently managed with diltiazem, molsidomine, and nitrates. Discussion: Our report underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing SCAD and VSA in ACS. The possible interplay between SCAD and VSA highlights the need for careful vasodilator therapy management, as seen in our patient, where therapy discontinuation led to severe multifocal VSA. This emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach for optimal outcomes in complex ACS cases.

Continuous thermodilution and microvascular resistance reserve during the index procedure in acute coronary syndrome without obstructive coronary artery disease: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: In 5%-25% of non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) patients, coronary angiography reveals no obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). Coronary microvascular disease (CMD) is a potential causal pathophysiological mechanism in these patients and can be diagnosed by continuous thermodilution assessment. Recently, the microvascular resistance reserve (MRR) has been introduced as a novel index to assess the vasodilatory capacity of the microcirculation. However, continuous thermodilution and MRR have never been investigated in the acute setting in MINOCA patients and invasive assessment of the microcirculation in these patients are currently lacking. AIMS: The objectives of the study were to investigate the incidence of CMD (MRR ≤ 2.7) in patients with MINOCA and to evaluate the feasibility and safety of continuous thermodilution-based assessment during index coronary angiography in the acute setting. METHODS: This study was a prospective, observational, pilot study investigating coronary physiology in the acute setting in MINOCA patients. Patients admitted with a diagnosis of NSTE-ACS were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: In total, 19 MINOCA patients were included in this analysis; the mean age was 70 ± 9 years, and 79% were females. CMD was present in 6 patients (32%). Qrest was significantly higher in the MRR ≤ 2.7 group compared to the MRR > 2.7 group (0.076 [0.057-0.100] vs. 0.049 [0.044-0.071] L/min, p = 0.03). Rµ,rest was significantly lower in the MRR ≤ 2.7 group compared to the MRR > 2.7 group (1083 [710-1510] vs. 1563 [1298-1970] WU, p = 0.04). No periprocedural complications or hemodynamic instability have occurred during continuous thermodilution assessment during the index coronary angiography. CONCLUSION: In patients admitted for MINOCA undergoing immediate coronary angiography, continuous thermodilution assessment and MRR are feasible and safe in the acute setting, and evidence of functional CMD could be observed in one-third of the MINOCA patients.

Impact of Sex in the Incidence of Heart Failure in Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndrome.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines the available evidence concerning the incidence of heart failure in patients with chronic coronary syndrome, with a focus on gender differences. RECENT FINDINGS: The incidence of heart failure in the context of chronic coronary syndrome presents conflicting data. Most of the available information stems from studies involving stable patients' post-acute coronary syndrome, revealing a wide range of incidence rates, from less than 3% to over 20%, observed over 5 years of follow-up. Regarding the gender differences in heart failure incidence, there is no consensus about whether women exhibit a higher incidence, particularly in the presence of evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease. However, in cases where obstructive coronary artery disease is absent, women may face a more unfavourable prognosis due to a higher prevalence of microvascular disease and heart failure with preserved ventricular function. The different profile of ischaemic heart disease in women difficult to establish differences in prognosis independently associated with female sex. Targeted investigations are essential to discern the incidence of heart failure in chronic coronary syndrome and explore potential gender-specific associations.

Transient Left Ventricular Dysfunction from Cardiomyopathies to Myocardial Viability: When and Why Cardiac Function Recovers.

Transient left ventricular dysfunction (TLVD), a temporary condition marked by reversible impairment of ventricular function, remains an underdiagnosed yet significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in clinical practice. Unlike the well-explored atherosclerotic disease of the epicardial coronary arteries, the diverse etiologies of TLVD require greater attention for proper diagnosis and management. The spectrum of disorders associated with TLVD includes stress-induced cardiomyopathy, central nervous system injuries, histaminergic syndromes, various inflammatory diseases, pregnancy-related conditions, and genetically determined syndromes. Furthermore, myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) origins such as coronary artery spasm, coronary thromboembolism, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) may also manifest as TLVD, eventually showing recovery. This review highlights the range of ischemic and non-ischemic clinical situations that lead to TLVD, gathering conditions like Tako-Tsubo Syndrome (TTS), Kounis syndrome (KS), Myocarditis, Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), and Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC). Differentiation amongst these causes is crucial, as they involve distinct clinical, instrumental, and genetic predictors that bode different outcomes and recovery potential for left ventricular function. The purpose of this review is to improve everyday clinical approaches to treating these diseases by providing an extensive survey of conditions linked with TLVD and the elements impacting prognosis and outcomes.

Role of Lipoprotein Ratios and Remnant Cholesterol in Patients with Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA).

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a clinical situation characterized by evidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-according to the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction-with normal or near-normal coronary arteries on angiographic study (stenosis < 50%). This condition is extremely variable in etiology, pathogenic mechanisms, clinical manifestations, prognosis and consequently therapeutic approach. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was the evaluation of remnant cholesterol (RC), monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and various lipoprotein ratios in patients with MINOCA in order to establish their validity as predictors of this event. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 114 patients hospitalized in the Intensive Coronary Care Unit (ICCU) and Hospital Wards of our Hospital Center from 2015 to 2019 who received a diagnosis of MINOCA compared to a control group of 110 patients without previous cardiovascular events. RC was calculated with the following formula: RC = total cholesterol (TC) - HDL-C - LDL-C. MHR was calculated by dividing the monocyte count in peripheral blood by high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels; PLR was obtained by dividing platelet count by lymphocyte count. We also calculated various lipoprotein ratios, like total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C), triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C/HDL-C) ratios. RESULTS: The MINOCA group had higher mean levels of RC (21.3 ± 10.6 vs. 13.2 ± 7.7 mg/dL), MHR (23 ± 0.009 vs. 18.5± 8.3) and PLR (179.8 ± 246.1 vs. 135 ± 64.7) than the control group. Only the mean values of all calculated lipoprotein ratios were lower in MINOCA patients. Statistical significance was achieved only in the RC evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of RC and MHR were found in patients with MINOCA. We also observed higher levels of PLR than in the control group. Only various lipoprotein ratios were lower, but this could reflect the extreme heterogeneity underlying the pathogenic mechanisms of MINOCA. In patients who receive a diagnosis of MINOCA with a baseline alteration of the lipid profile and higher levels of cholesterol at admission as well, the evaluation of these parameters could play an important role, providing more detailed information about their cardiometabolic risk.

Myocardical Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA): pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.

The term MINOCA (Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries) refers to myocardial infarction cases where coronary arteries exhibit less than 50 % stenosis. MINOCA encompasses a diverse range of pathologies with varying etiologies. Diagnosis involves meeting acute myocardial infarction criteria and excluding other causes (myocarditis, takotsubo syndrome). Clinical features often resemble those of traditional myocardial infarction, but MINOCA patients tend to be younger and more frequently female. Etiological investigations include coronary angiography, intracoronary imaging, and vasomotor function tests. Causes include plaque rupture, coronary dissection, vasospasm, microvascular dysfunction, thromboembolism. Prognosis varies, with some subsets at higher risk. Management involves a tailored approach addressing underlying causes, with emphasis on cardioprotective therapy, risk factor modification, and lifestyle interventions. Further research is needed to refine diagnostic strategies and optimize therapeutic approaches in MINOCA patients.

Infarto Agudo al Miocardio con Arterias Coronarias sin Lesiones Obstructivas (MINOCA): Características clínicas de pacientes

Introducción: El término MINOCA (Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries) ha cobrado relevancia como diagnóstico de trabajo en el contexto de pacientes con sospecha de isquemia miocárdica y estudio coronario sin lesiones obstructivas. Objetivos: Describir las distintas etiologías y variables clínicas de pacientes con MINOCA hospitalizados en la unidad coronaria de nuestro centro (Hospital de la P Universalidad de Chile) Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo en el que se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variables estudiadas. Además, se analizó el uso de los métodos de imágenes complementarios y otras variables pronósticas. El seguimiento se realizó dentro del primer año posterior al evento. Resultados: El diagnóstico etiológico más frecuente de los pacientes con MINOCA fue el de miocardiopatía por estrés (MCE). Se incluyeron 55 pacientes, 55% de ellos mujeres. La edad promedio fue 57 años y la frecuencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular clásicos (FRCV) fue baja. En los pacientes con MCE se observó menores niveles de troponina ultrasensible; mayores niveles de NT-proBNP y mayor mortalidad en comparación a otras etiologías. Conclusiones: El perfil de pacientes con MINOCA hospitalizados en nuestro centro correspondió predominantemente a mujeres postmenopáusicas con baja frecuencia de FRCV. La mortalidad de los pacientes con MINOCA se concentró en el grupo con MCE.

Background: MINOCA (acronym for "Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries") is relevant as a working guide in the diagnosis of patients with suspicion of ischemia and absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Aim: to describe the different causes and clinical variables in patients with MINOCA admitted to a coronary care unit of a University hospital in Santiago, Chile. Methods: this is an observational retrospective analysis of relevant clinical variables in 55 patients finally diagnosed as having MINOCA. Use of image based studies and characteristics related to prognosis were also analyzed. Follow up extended for one year after the event. Results: 55 patients were included, 55% of them women. Mean age was 57 years; presence of traditional risk factors for myocardial infarction was low. The most common eventual etiologic diagnosis was Stress Cardiomyopathy (SCM) in which lower levels of ultrasensitive troponin and higher levels of NT-proBNP were observed. Mortality in SCM was higher than that observed in other etiologies. Conclusion: MINOCA was more frequent in post menopausal women. Mortality was greater in patients with SMC.

Smoking and Respiratory Diseases in Patients with Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Coronary microvascular disease (CMD) is common in patients with and without obstructive coronary artery disease, and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Respiratory-related variables are associated with pulmonary and systemic microvascular dysfunction, while evidence about their relationship with CMD is limited. We aim to evaluate respiratory-related variables as risk factors of CMD. METHODS: This is an observational, single-center study enrolling consecutive patients undergoing invasive evaluation of coronary microvascular function in the catheterization laboratory. Patients with evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease or with missing data were excluded. Associations between respiratory-related variables and indices of CMD were assessed using univariate and multivariate regression models. RESULTS: Overall, 266 patients (mean age 67 ± 11 years, 59% females) were included in the current analysis. Of those, 155 (58%) had evidence of CMD. Among the respiratory variables, independent predictors of CMD were current smoking (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-5; P = .01) and obstructive sleep apnea (AOR 5.7; 95% CI, 1.2-26; P = .03), while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was not. Among ever-smokers, higher smoking pack-years was an independent risk factor for CMD (median 35 vs 25 pack-years, AOR 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04-1.13; P < .01), and was associated with higher rates of pathologic index of microcirculatory resistance and resistive reserve ratio. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing invasive coronary microvascular evaluation, current smoking and obstructive sleep apnea are independently associated with CMD. Among smokers, higher pack-years is a strong predictor for CMD. Our findings should raise awareness for prevention and possible treatment options.

Aortic valve fibroelastoma presenting with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA): A case report and review of the literature.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas (CPFs) are rare benign cardiac tumors more often involving the left-sided valves and related with threatening embolic complications. We report the case of a 35-year-old woman presenting with relapsing-remitting chest pain and elevated cardiac troponins. After a negative coronary angiography, an integrated imaging assessment based on echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance showed a pedunculated mass on the aortic valve causing an intermittent obstructive engagement of the right coronary ostium. A tailored surgical treatment was performed and the histopathological examination of the specimen revealed mesenchymal tissue with the characteristics of CPF.

The correlation of atherogenic index of plasma with non-obstructive CAD and unfavorable prognosis among patients diagnosed with MINOCA.

BACKGROUND: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is linked to lipid metabolism and has shown considerable prognostic value in cardiovascular disorders. However, its role in myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) has not been investigated. We assessed the relationship between AIP, the severity of coronary stenosis, and prognosis in MINOCA. METHODS: We included consecutive patients who were diagnosed with MINOCA. AIP was calculated using the base 10 logarithm of the ratio between the levels of TG and HDL-C. The patients were divided into four groups based on their AIP quartiles: Q1 (AIP<-0.145), Q2 (AIP≥-0.145and≤0.049), Q3 (AIP>0.049and≤0.253), and Q4 (AIP>0.253). All patients underwent follow-up for MACE. RESULTS: The final analysis included 421 patients, with 188 having normal coronaries (0 stenosis) and 233 exhibiting non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) (<50 % stenosis). In the multivariate logistic analysis, highest AIP (Q4) group was significantly associated with increased risk of non-obstructive CAD in MINOCA (OR,1.994;95 % CI:1.075-3.698; P = 0.029). During the follow-up period, MACE occurred in 22.8 % of MINOCA patients. Q4 group exhibited a significantly higher rate of MACE (P = 0.021). Furthermore, when both AIP and coronary stenosis status were considered, the results revealed individuals in the Q4 group with non-obstructive CAD had the highest risk of MACE (log-rank P = 0.027). The adjusted Cox analysis indicated that the Q4 group was associated with a 2.052-fold increase in the HR of MACE. CONCLUSION: AIP exhibits a notable association with the incidence of MACE in MINOCA patients and serves as a substantial marker for non-obstructive CAD in this patient group.

Spectrum of Ischemic Heart Disease Throughout a Woman's Life Cycle.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both genders; however, young women fare the worst, likely reflecting the more complex spectrum of IHD in women when compared to men. Substantial sex-based differences exist in the underlying risk factors, risk enhancers, presentation, diagnosis, and pathophysiology of IHD that are mainly attributed to the influence of female sex hormones. This article reviews the spectrum of IHD including obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary artery disease, ischemia with no obstructive coronary artery disease, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, coronary microvascular dysfunction, vasospastic angina, and coronary thrombosis/embolism that occur in women throughout various stages of their life cycle. We aim to update clinicians on the diagnosis and management of these various types of IHD and highlight where further randomized controlled studies are needed to determine optimal treatment and inform guideline-directed medical therapy.

Predicting the response to acetylcholine in ischemia or infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries: The ABCD score.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Acetylcholine (ACh) provocation testing can detect vasomotor disorders in patients with ischemia and non-obstructed coronary arteries (INOCA) or myocardial infarction and non-obstructed coronary arteries (MINOCA). We aimed to derive and validate a simple risk score to predict a positive ACh test response. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled consecutive INOCA and MINOCA patients undergoing ACh provocation testing. Patients were split in two cohorts (derivation and validation) according to time of enrolment. The score was derived in 386 patients (derivation cohort) and then validated in 165 patients (validation cohort). RESULTS: 551 patients were enrolled, 371 (67.3%) INOCA and 180 (32.7%) MINOCA. ACh test was positive in 288 (52.3%) patients. MINOCA, myocardial bridge (MB), C-reactive protein (CRP) and dyslipidaemia were independent predictors of a positive ACh test in the derivation cohort. The ABCD (Acute presentation, Bridge, CRP, Dyslipidaemia) score was derived: 2 points were assigned to MINOCA, 3 to MB, 1 to elevated CRP and 1 to dyslipidaemia. The ABCD score accurately identified patients with a positive ACh test response with an AUC of 0.703 (CI 95% 0.652-0.754,p < 0.001) in the derivation cohort, and 0.705 (CI 95% 0.626-0.784, p < 0.001) in the validation cohort. In the whole population, an ABCD score ≥4 portended 94.3% risk of a positive ACh test and all patients with an ABCD score ≥6 presented a positive test. CONCLUSIONS: The ABCD score could avoid the need of ACh provocation testing in patients with a high score, reducing procedural risks, time, and costs, and allowing the implementation of a tailored treatment strategy. These results are hypothesis generating and further research involving larger cohorts and multicentre trials is needed to validate and refine the ABCD score.

Sex differences in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome: a state-of-the-art review.

Cardiovascular conditions in the spectrum of acute coronary syndromes are characterized by sex differences with regard to pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, invasive and pharmacologic treatment, and outcomes. This review delves into these differences, including specific subsets like myocardial infarction with non-obstructed coronary arteries or Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, and alternative diagnoses like Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or myocarditis. Moreover, practical considerations are enclosed, on how a sex-specific approach should be integrated in clinical practice: in fact, personal history should focus on female-specific risk factors, and hormonal status and hormonal therapy should be assessed. Moreover, physical and psychological stressors should be investigated, particularly in the event of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

[MINOCA and Coronary Ectasia: a rare combination of causes of infarction] / MINOCA y Ectasia Coronaria: una combinación inusual de causas de infarto

Objective: to describe a patient with myocardial ischemia with multiple causes. Clinical Case: This clinical case describes a 58-year-old man with a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, COPD and previous myocardial infarction (AMI). He went to the emergency room with chest pain and dyspnea. Findings included bibasal crackles, electrocardiogram with old anterior fibrosis, elevated NT-ProBNP, and echocardiogram with septoapical akinesia. During hospitalization, he experienced tachyarrhythmia and hemodynamic deterioration, undergoing electrical cardioversion (CVE). Non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) complicated with ventricular arrhythmia and acute pulmonary edema was diagnosed. Coronary angiography revealed coronary ectasias without obstructive lesions, but with mild stenosis in three vessels. The patient was successfully treated with non-invasive ventilation, diuretics, vasodilators and anticoagulation. The discharge was granted with the plan to further studies to optimize and guide treatment and finally the diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Arteries (MINOCA) and the presence of coronary ectasias was addressed. Conclusion: it is important to highlight the non-ischemic causes in MINOCA and the association between coronary ectasia and cardiovascular events, which is why we emphasize the need for more studies to better understand the relationship between these phenomena.

Objetivo: describir un paciente con isquemia miocárdica con múltiples causas. Caso Clínico: En este caso clínico se describe a un hombre de 58 años con antecedentes de hipertensión, dislipidemia, EPOC e infarto de miocardio (IAM) previo. Acudió a urgencias con dolor torácico y disnea. Los hallazgos incluyeron crepitantes bibasales, electrocardiograma con fibrosis anterior antigua, NT-ProBNP elevado y ecocardiograma con acinesia septoapical. Durante la hospitalización, experimentó taquiarritmia y deterioro hemodinámico, siendo sometido a cardioversión eléctrica (CVE). Se diagnosticó síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST (SCASEST) complicado con arritmia ventricular y edema pulmonar agudo. La angiografía coronaria reveló ectasias coronarias sin lesiones obstructivas, pero con estenosis leve en tres vasos. El paciente fue tratado con éxito mediante ventilación no invasiva, diuréticos, vasodilatadores y anticoagulación. Se otorgó el alta con el plan de profundizar estudios para optimizar y guiar tratamiento y finalmente se abordó al diagnóstico de Infarto de Miocardio con Arterias No Obstructivas (MINOCA) y la presencia de ectasias coronarias. Conclusión: es importante destacar las causas no isquémicas en MINOCA y la asociación entre ectasia coronaria y eventos cardiovasculares, por lo que subrayamos la necesidad de más estudios para comprender mejor la relación entre estos fenómenos.