Prognostic Value of Persistent Microvascular Obstruction on Follow-Up Cardiac MRI After Reperfused STEMI

Pengyu Zhou1, Fen Sa1, Kaisaierjiang Aisikaier1

  • 1Department of Radiology, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.

JACC. Asia
|July 24, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Persistent microvascular obstruction (MVO) after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treatment predicts heart failure events. This finding offers incremental value beyond existing risk markers for STEMI patients post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • The prognostic significance of persistent microvascular obstruction (MVO) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not well-established.
  • Understanding MVO's impact is crucial for risk stratification and management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prognostic value of persistent MVO in patients with reperfused STEMI.
  • To determine if persistent MVO predicts adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 504 STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI.
  • Follow-up cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) at ≥60 days post-PCI to assess persistent MVO using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE).
  • Composite endpoint of heart failure (HF) events, including HF-related death, transplantation, LVAD implantation, and HF hospitalization, analyzed using competing risk models.

Main Results:

  • Persistent MVO was identified in 8.7% of STEMI patients.
  • Patients with persistent MVO had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction, larger end-diastolic volume index, and greater LGE extent.
  • Persistent MVO improved the predictive model for HF events, enhancing discrimination, fit, and risk reclassification (C-index increased from 0.78 to 0.82).

Conclusions:

  • Persistent MVO is present in a notable subset of STEMI patients at ≥60 days post-PCI.
  • Persistent MVO serves as an independent predictor of HF-related events.
  • Incorporating persistent MVO into risk models offers incremental prognostic value for STEMI patients.

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