Circulating fibrocyte levels correlate with infarct size in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract

Study objectiveInfarct size is a strong predictor of outcomes after ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Circulating fibrocytes are bone marrow-derived progenitor cells associated with fibrotic processes. We tested whether fibrocytes correlate with infarct size in STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). DesignProspective observational study. SettingAcademic medical center. ParticipantsSubjects with STEMI treated with primary PCI. InterventionsPeripheral blood draw and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Main outcome measureCorrelation of fibrocyte levels with infarct size. MethodsPeripheral blood fibrocytes were quantified at discharge from STEMI hospitalization and at 6 months follow-up using flow cytometry. Infarct size was determined within 2 weeks of discharge and at 6 months follow-up using late gadolinium enhancement on CMR. ResultsAmong 14 patients (median age 54 years, 79% men) with STEMI, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between fibrocyte levels at 6 months and 6-month infarct size on CMR (r = 0.58, p = 0.031). In addition, there was positive correlation between peak troponin I level (r = 0.85, p < 0.001), and white blood cell count (r = 0.55, p = 0.042) during the hospital stay and 6-month infarct size on CMR. ConclusionsCirculating fibrocytes measured 6 months after STEMI positively correlate with 6-month infarct size assessed by CMR.