[Myocardial ischemia without coronary obstructions: MINOCA-INOCA. Review for decision making]

Hernán Cohen Arazi1,2, Ricardo Iglesias1, Ernesto Duronto3

  • 1Servicio de Cardiología, Sanatorio Trinidad Mitre, Argentina.

Medicina
|May 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

A significant number of coronary angiographies reveal minimal stenosis (<50%), prompting interest in myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) and ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA). This review explores their pathophysiology and diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • A notable proportion of coronary angiographies (25%) show coronary artery stenosis below 50% despite symptoms of myocardial ischemia.
  • This finding has spurred significant interest in understanding conditions like myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) and ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA).
  • Recent guidelines from the American Society of Cardiology address the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of these entities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a narrative review on the physiopathologic and diagnostic aspects of MINOCA and INOCA.
  • To reflect the consensus and opinions of expert cardiologists from various centers in Argentina.
  • To provide an updated understanding of the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients presenting with MINOCA and INOCA.

Main Methods:

  • A narrative review methodology was employed.
  • Expert opinions from cardiologists across different Argentine centers were gathered.
  • Literature was reviewed focusing on the pathophysiology and diagnostic challenges of MINOCA and INOCA.

Main Results:

  • The review highlights the increasing clinical recognition of MINOCA and INOCA.
  • It emphasizes the complexity in diagnosing these conditions due to non-obstructive coronary findings.
  • Expert consensus points towards the need for a multi-faceted diagnostic approach.

Conclusions:

  • MINOCA and INOCA represent significant clinical challenges in cardiology.
  • Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough understanding of underlying physiopathologic mechanisms beyond epicardial coronary stenosis.
  • Further research and standardized diagnostic protocols are essential for optimal patient management.