Contemporary Diagnosis and Management of Patients with MINOCA.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is defined as acute myocardial infarction (MI) with angiographically no obstructive coronary artery disease or stenosis ≤ 50%. MINOCA is diagnostically challenging and complex, making it difficult to manage effectively. This condition accounts for 6-8% of all MI and poses an increased risk of morbidity and mortality after diagnosis. Prompt recognition and targeted management are essential to improve outcomes and our understanding of this condition, but this process is not yet standardized. This article offers a comprehensive review of MINOCA, delving deep into its unique clinical profile, invasive and noninvasive diagnostic strategies for evaluating MINOCA in light of the lack of widespread availability for comprehensive testing, and current evidence surrounding targeted therapies for patients with MINOCA. RECENT FINDINGS: MINOCA is not uncommon and requires comprehensive assessment using various imaging modalities to evaluate it further. MINOCA is a heterogenous working diagnosis that requires thoughtful approach to diagnose the underlying disease responsible for MINOCA further.

Viral Myocarditis and Dilated Cardiomyopathy as a Consequence-Changing Insights from Advanced Imaging.

Advancements in quantitative cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) have revolutionized the diagnosis and management of viral myocarditis. With the addition of T1 and T2 mapping parameters in the updated Lake Louise Criteria, CMR can diagnose myocarditis with superior diagnostic accuracy compared with endomyocardial biopsy, especially in stable patients. Additionally, the unique value of CMR tissue characterization continues to improve the diagnosis and risk stratification of myocarditis. This review will discuss new and ongoing developments in cardiovascular imaging and its application to noninvasive diagnosis, prognostication, and management of viral myocarditis and its complications.

Evaluation of Ischemia with No Obstructive Coronary Arteries (INOCA) and Contemporary Applications of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR).

Ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) is a relatively newly discovered ischemic phenotype that affects patients similarly to obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) but has a unique pathophysiology and epidemiology. Patients with INOCA present with ischemic signs and symptoms but no obstructive CAD seen on coronary CTA or invasive coronary angiography, which can assess epicardial vessels. The mechanisms of INOCA can be grouped into three endotypes: coronary microvascular dysfunction, epicardial coronary vasospasm, or a combination of both. Accurate and comprehensive assessment of both epicardial and microvascular disease in suspected cases of INOCA is crucial for providing targeted therapy and improving outcomes in this underrepresented population. This review aims to clarify the complex pathophysiology of INOCA, present an overview of invasive and non-invasive diagnostic methods, and examine contemporary approaches for coronary perfusion assessment using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). We also explore how recent advancements in quantitative CMR can potentially revolutionize the evaluation of suspected INOCA by offering a rapid, accurate, and non-invasive diagnostic approach, thereby reducing the alarming number of cases that go undetected.

Closure of a broncho-pleural fistula using an atrial septal defect occluder.

Broncho-pleural fistulae (BPF) are recognised as a rare complication following pneumonectomy. We describe a patient, who after failing conservative treatment, underwent closure of a persistent fistula with an atrial septal defect (ASD) occluder. Additionally we review the literature regarding management of BPF and the emerging role of cardiac defect closure devices as a possible treatment option.

Contemporary Management of Severely Calcified Coronary Lesions.

Coronary artery calcification is increasingly prevalent in our patient population. It significantly limits the procedural success of percutaneous coronary intervention and is associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events both in the short-term and long-term. There are several modalities for modifying calcified plaque, such as balloon angioplasty (including specialty balloons), coronary atheroablative therapy (rotational, orbital, and laser atherectomy), and intravascular lithotripsy. We discuss each modality's relative advantages and disadvantages and the data supporting their use. This review also highlights the importance of intravascular imaging to characterize coronary calcification and presents an algorithm to tailor the calcium modification therapy based on specific coronary lesion characteristics.