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Updated: May 25, 2025

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
Non-invasive imaging assessment in angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA)
Luca Bergamaschi1, Antonio De Vita2, Angelo Villano2
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - DIMEC; Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Cardiovascular Division, Morgagni-Pierantoni University Hospital, Forlì, Italy.
Insights
Diagnosing angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA) is challenging. This review explores non-invasive methods, proposing a multimodal approach for accurate ANOCA diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA) is prevalent and clinically significant.
- Diagnosing ANOCA is challenging, often requiring invasive coronary angiography.
- Current diagnostic strategies for ANOCA can be difficult and delayed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically assess non-invasive diagnostic methods for ANOCA.
- To propose a multimodal diagnostic approach for ANOCA.
- To guide tailored treatment strategies for ANOCA patients.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of current literature on ANOCA diagnosis.
- Evaluation of non-invasive cardiac imaging techniques.
- Assessment of clinical evaluation and functional testing in ANOCA diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Non-invasive methods, including advanced cardiac imaging, can aid ANOCA diagnosis.
- A multimodal approach combining clinical, anatomical, and functional assessments is feasible.
- Improved diagnostic accuracy can lead to timely and appropriate treatment.
Conclusions:
- Non-invasive diagnostic strategies are evolving for ANOCA.
- A multimodal approach offers a promising pathway for ANOCA diagnosis.
- Optimizing ANOCA diagnosis can improve patient management and outcomes.
Abstract:
Due to its significant prevalence and clinical implications, angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA) has become a major focus in modern cardiology. In fact, diagnosing ANOCA presents a significant challenge. The final diagnosis is often difficult, delayed, and frequently necessitates an invasive assessment through coronary angiography. However, recent improvements in non-invasive cardiac imaging allow a diagnosis of ANOCA using a combination of clinical evaluation, anatomical coronary imaging, and functional testing. This narrative review aims to critically assess various non-invasive diagnostic methods and propose a multimodal approach to diagnose ANOCA and tailor appropriate treatments.
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