Microcirculation function assessment in acute myocardial infarction: A systematic review of microcirculatory

Marta Silva1, Luis Paiva1,2,3, Rogério Teixeira1,2,3

  • 1Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.

Abstract

Insights

Microvascular resistance indices like IMR and HMR help assess microvascular dysfunction after myocardial infarction (MI). This dysfunction correlates with heart damage and impacts patient outcomes, highlighting their clinical value.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Microvascular dysfunction affects up to 50% of acute myocardial infarction (MI) patients post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
  • This dysfunction is linked to poorer clinical outcomes, necessitating better assessment methods.
  • Invasive microvascular resistance indices are emerging as critical tools for evaluating microcirculation in MI.

Approach:

  • Systematic review of studies correlating microcirculation resistance indices with microvascular dysfunction.
  • Assessment of indices including index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), hyperemic microvascular resistance (HMR), and zero-flow pressure (Pzf).
  • Correlation analysis with microvascular obstruction (MVO), infarct size (IS) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and clinical outcomes.

Key Points:

  • Microcirculation resistance indices significantly correlate with MVO and IS on CMR.
  • IMR shows more validation data, while HMR and Pzf suggest higher diagnostic accuracy for MVO/IS.
  • Both IMR and HMR are independent predictors of adverse cardiovascular events, though HMR lacks validated cut-offs.

Conclusions:

  • Invasive microvascular resistance indices are valuable for evaluating microcirculation function post-MI.
  • Microvascular dysfunction is directly related to myocardial damage extent and clinical prognosis after MI.
  • Further research is needed to establish validated cut-offs for indices like HMR.