Prognostic Value of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients With Troponin Elevation and Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries

Abstract

ObjectiveTo define the diagnostic yield of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in differentiating the underlying causes of myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) and to determine the long-term prognostic implications of such diagnoses. MethodsCardiac magnetic resonance evaluation was performed in 227 patients (mean age, 56.4±14.9 years; 120 [53%] female) with a “working diagnosis” of MINOCA as defined by presentation with a troponin-positive acute coronary syndrome (troponin I >0.04 μg/L) and nonobstructed coronary arteries between January 1, 2007, and February 28, 2013. Follow-up was performed to assess the primary composite end point of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and all-cause mortality. ResultsCardiac magnetic resonance identified nonstructural cardiomyopathies in 97 (43%) patients, myocardial infarction in 55 (24%) patients, structural cardiomyopathies in 27 (12%) patients, and pulmonary embolism in 1 patient. No CMR abnormalities were identified in the remaining patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated the ability of a CMR diagnosis to predict the risk of the primary composite end point (P=.005) at 5-year follow-up. Worse outcomes were seen among patients with “true” MINOCA and a normal CMR image compared with those with CMR-confirmed myocardial infarction (P=.02). Use of antiplatelets (78% [37/45] vs 95% [52/55]; P=.01), beta blockers (56% [25/45] vs 82% [45/55]; P=.004), and statins (64% [29/45] vs 85% [47/55]; P=.01) was significantly lower in patients with true MINOCA with normal CMR imaging compared with those with CMR-confirmed myocardial infarction. ConclusionsCardiac magnetic resonance carries a high diagnostic yield in patients with MINOCA and predicts long-term prognosis. Patients with MINOCA with normal CMR imaging had an increased rate of major adverse cardiac events and lower use of guideline-recommended myocardial infarction therapy compared with those with CMR-confirmed myocardial infarction.