Temporal trends of characteristics and management of patients with suspected MINOCA

Myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) is a challenging condition which requires appropriate management and therapy. Although specific guidelines and recommendations for this condition have been introduced, there are few data about management implementation over time. The aim of this study is to compare two cohorts of patients affected by suspected MINOCA to assess the temporal trends change in the clinical characteristics and management.

Two patient cohorts were retrospectively selected from a single centre (Cardiology Department of Perugia University Hospital) and compared to investigate the differences in characteristics and management before and after the release of 2018 MINOCA guidelines. The Group included patients enrolled from January 2006 to December 2014, and the Group 2 from July 1st, 2020, to July 31st, 2023.

Group 1 included 150 patients and Group 2 83 patients. Compared to group 1, group 2 showed higher prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (57 % vs 27 % p < 0,001), prior acute myocardial infarction (23 % vs 5 %, p <0,001), preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (90 % vs 67 %, p = 0,03), use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (27 % vs 0 %,p < 0.001), prescription of beta-blockers (69 % vs 31 %,p < 0.001), calcium channel blockers (46 % vs 16 %, p < 0.001), statins (81 % vs 59 %, p = 0.03) and a less frequent occurrence of ST-elevation on admission ECG (9 % vs 24 %, p = 0.005), prescription of dual antiplatelet therapy (20 % vs 58 %, p < 0.001) and nitrates (12 % vs 54 %, p < 0.001).

In the present study, characteristics and management of patients with suspected MINOCA has significantly changed over time. However, discrepancies with guidelines recommendation still exist and implementation strategies are needed to fill this gap and improve clinical practice.