Single-view angiographic microcirculatory resistance index after primary PCI: the EARLY-MYO-AMR study

Zhiwen Zhang1, Song Ding2, Quan Guo1

  • 1Department of Coronary Heart Disease, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Henan Key Laboratory of Coronary Heart Disease Control & Prevention, Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Central China Fuwai of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.

Abstract

Insights

The novel angiographic microcirculatory resistance (AMR) index effectively identifies coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Higher AMR values predict increased major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging

Background:

  • Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) impairs myocardial perfusion in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).
  • The index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) is a diagnostic tool for CMD but requires pressure wires and hyperemic agents.
  • Angiographic microcirculatory resistance (AMR) offers a pressure wire-free, convenient alternative to IMR for assessing CMD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of AMR in detecting CMD in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI.
  • To assess the predictive capability of AMR for long-term adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • The EARLY-MYO-AMR trial included derivation (n=495) and validation (n=2,663) cohorts of STEMI patients treated with PPCI.
  • Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was used to determine the optimal AMR cutoff for CMD diagnosis in the derivation cohort.
  • Patients were followed for at least 1 year to track major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Main Results:

  • An AMR cutoff >26.6 mmHg*s/dm was identified for predicting CMD (AUC 0.721) and was an independent risk factor (OR 4.10).
  • In the validation cohort, AMR >26.6 mmHg*s/dm was associated with significantly higher MACE incidence (30.9% vs. 21.5%; aHR 1.47).
  • MACE incidence increased progressively with higher AMR values, showing good intra- and interobserver agreement.

Conclusions:

  • AMR >26.6 mmHg*s/dm effectively predicts CMD in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI.
  • Elevated AMR is linked to increased long-term MACE, aiding in risk stratification.
  • AMR serves as a valuable, convenient tool for guiding treatment and improving prognosis in STEMI.