MRI findings in patients with acute coronary syndrome and unobstructed coronary arteries

The underlying diagnosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and unobstructed coronary arteries remains a diagnostic challenge. We analyzed the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in this clinical setting. A total of 213 patients with ACS and unobstructed coronary arteries underwent MRI within a median of 2 days after initial presentation. Clinical, laboratory, and MRI data were analyzed. A consensus diagnosis was established for each case by an independent panel after reviewing the individual clinical, laboratory, and MRI data. Standardized interviews to determine patient outcomes were carried out after a median follow-up of 24 months. Clinical events were defined as a composite of death, stroke, myocardial infarction or recurrence of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), new onset of heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)