Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease
04:41

Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease

Published on: July 3, 2018

Elevated admission cardiac troponin T is associated with microvascular dysfunction in acute myocardial infarction

Italo Porto1, Francesco Burzotta, Marta Brancati

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Italy. i.porto@doctors.org.uk

Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine (Hagerstown, Md.)
|June 10, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Elevated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels upon admission predict poorer microvascular function in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing emergency percutaneous coronary intervention, indicating potential for targeted therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Elevated cardiac troponin T (cTnT) is a marker of myocardial injury.
  • Its association with microvascular function in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between admission cTnT levels and microvascular function in STEMI patients treated with emergency PCI.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 27 STEMI patients receiving emergency PCI.
  • Collected admission cTnT, angiography, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) data.
  • Analyzed correlations between cTnT, microvascular obstruction indicators (TIMI frame count, myocardial blush grade), and CMR findings.

Main Results:

  • Higher admission cTnT correlated with increased corrected Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction frame count (P=0.04) and a trend towards worse myocardial blush grade (P=0.069).
  • Admission cTnT showed a significant correlation with perfusion defect size on CMR (rho=0.42, P=0.028).
  • No correlation was found between admission cTnT and myocardial necrosis size on CMR (rho=0.12, P=0.55).

Conclusions:

  • Admission cTnT is a predictor of impaired microvascular function in STEMI patients undergoing emergency PCI.
  • Measuring admission cTnT may guide selection of therapies to improve coronary microcirculation.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Microscopic 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium Chloride Assay for Accurate and Reliable Analysis of Myocardial Injury11:17

A Microscopic 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium Chloride Assay for Accurate and Reliable Analysis of Myocardial Injury

Published on: November 28, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers01:20

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers

Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...