A novel multimodal imaging approach for working diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries: a promising diagnostic strategy
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) demands prompt mechanistic clarification. Early integration of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can refine diagnosis during the acute phase. Methods: Twenty-one consecutive patients (41 ± 10 years; 71% men) presenting with troponin-positive chest pain and unobstructed coronaries underwent CCTA, delayed iodine-enhanced CT for late iodine enhancement (LIE), and CMR imaging within 14 days, with a mean interval of 5 days [interquartile range (IQR) 2-9] between both imaging modalities. CCTA assessed luminal stenosis and high-risk plaque; LIE mapped iodine retention; CMR evaluated myocardial edema and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Clinical, electrocardiographic, and laboratory data were collected. Results: Eight patients were classified as MINOCA and 13 as acute myocarditis. Chest pain was universal; dyspnea and syncope occurred in seven and two patients, respectively. Median peak high-sensitivity troponin-I was 1,569 ng/L (IQR 589-5 771). Biventricular systolic function was preserved (mean LVEF 58%; RVEF 55%). LGE appeared in 16 subjects: subendocardial in every MINOCA case and intramural or subepicardial in eight myocarditis cases. Myocardial edema was present in 15 patients. CCTA showed no atherosclerosis in 16 patients; five displayed non-obstructive lesions (<50% stenosis) with high-risk plaque confined to three MINOCA subjects. LIE confirmed iodine uptake matching the LGE pattern in all MINOCA patients and in six with myocarditis. Conclusions: An acute CCTA-CMR protocol may aid in distinguishing ischemic from non-ischemic myocardial injury in presumed MINOCA and unmasks occult high-risk plaques. This multimodal imaging approach reveals occult high-risk coronary plaques and enhances diagnostic accuracy, thereby supporting mechanism-targeted management strategies in patients presenting with troponin-positive chest pain.
Authors: Giovanni Taverna, Lisa Canton, Lorenza Zilio, Vincenzo Calabrese, Annagrazia Cecere, Maria Teresa Savo, Marco Previtero, Giulia Mattesi, Valeria Pergola, Stefano Da Pozzo, Simone Corradin, Angela Susana, Antonella Cecchetto, Anna Baritussio, Alberto Cipriani, Raffaella Motta, Giuseppe Andò, Gianluca Pontone, Fabrizio Ricci, Carmine Pizzi, Domenico Corrado, Giorgio De Conti, Martina Perazzolo Marra
Institutions: University of Padua, University of Ferrara, Ospedale G.B. Morgagni - L.Pierantoni, University of Bologna, Azienda Ospedale - Università Padova, University of Messina, University of Milan, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, Lund University, University of Chieti-Pescara, Ospedale SS. Annunziata
Language: English
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7119509714