Role of inflammation in Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries

Abstract Background The characteristics of patients with Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA) differ from those with Myocardial Infarction with Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (MI-CAD). Thus, the mechanisms involved, such as inflammation, may be different. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between pro-inflammatory conditions and MINOCA, as well as the impact on their prognosis. Methods An analytical and observational study, including all patients admitted to our hospital with myocardial infarction and who underwent coronary angiography in the last four years (2016–2020; n=712). According to the definitions of the 2019 AHA Scientific Statement on Diagnosis and Management of MINOCA and ESC 2020 guidelines on Acute Coronary Syndromes in Patients Presenting without Persistent ST-Segment Elevation, we classified the patients into two groups: MI-CAD (n=643) and MINOCA (n=69). Besides general data, we recorded specific information about pro-inflammatory conditions (prevalence of autoimmune diseases, connective tissue disorders, and active infections and neoplasms). We also assessed C-reactive protein (C-RP) at admission, peak CK-MB and troponin levels. Follow-up analysis included death from any cause, major adverse cardiac events (MACE: cardiac death, MI, stroke), readmissions due to cardiovascular causes, and in-hospital mortality. Results The composite of pro-inflammatory conditions (autoimmune pathologies, connective tissue diseases and active cancer and infections) was significantly higher in the MINOCA group (30.4% vs 14.6%, p