Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 22, 2025

3D Whole-heart Myocardial Tissue Analysis
Published on: April 12, 2017
Application of the fourth universal definition of myocardial infarction in clinical practice
Johannes Mair1, Louise Cullen2, Evangelos Giannitsis3
1Department of Internal Medicine III - Cardiology and Angiology, Heart Center, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
Insights
The Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction (MI) clarifies diagnosis, distinguishing between type 1 MI (plaque rupture) and type 2 MI (supply/demand mismatch). Applying this definition aids in accurate myocardial injury assessment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathophysiology
- Diagnostic Criteria
Background:
- The Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction (MI) redefines diagnostic criteria.
- Distinguishing between ischaemic and non-ischaemic myocardial injury is crucial.
- Accurate diagnosis requires evidence of acute myocardial ischaemia alongside acute myocardial injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the application of the revised Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction in clinical practice.
- To provide guidance on differentiating various types of myocardial infarction (MI).
- To clarify the diagnosis of MI versus acute non-ischaemic myocardial injury.
Main Methods:
- Case-based review approach.
- Discussion of real-life clinical cases.
- Analysis of diagnostic challenges in individual patients.
Main Results:
- Type 1 MI results from coronary plaque rupture/erosion with thrombus, typically visible on angiography.
- Type 2 MI diagnosis requires identifying triggers causing myocardial oxygen supply/demand mismatch.
- Distinguishing MI types and from non-ischaemic injury can be challenging.
Conclusions:
- Type 1 MI is linked to coronary atherosclerosis complications.
- Type 2 MI management should target the underlying cause of ischaemia.
- Accurate application of the new definition is essential for appropriate patient care.
Abstract:
Purpose: The Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction (MI) has highlighted the different pathophysiological mechanisms that may lead to ischaemic and non-ischaemic myocardial injury and has emphasised that the diagnosis of myocardial infarction requires the presence of acute myocardial ischaemia in the setting of acute myocardial injury. This case based review intends to illustrate basic principles on how to apply this new, revised definition in clinical practice.Methods and Results: The distinction between different types of MIs (type 1 or type 2) and the delineation of MI from acute non-ischaemic myocardial injury may be challenging in individual patients, which is illustrated by presenting and discussing real-life routine cases.Conclusions: Type 1 MI is a consequence of coronary plaque rupture or erosion with intracoronary thrombus formation that is usually apparent on coronary angiography. Plausible triggering mechanisms causing myocardial oxygen supply/demand mismatch must be identified for the diagnosis of type 2 MI and its treatment should focus initially on management of the underlying disease attributable to acute myocardial ischaemia.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

