Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) for the Evaluation of Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Non-obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (MINOCA)

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Myocardial infarction in the absence of coronary artery disease is caused by a variety of clinical conditions, so it is important to detect the specific causes in order to perform a better prognostic stratification of these patients. The aim of this review is to summarize the most important findings that established the role of CMR (cardiovascular magnetic resonance) to detect the MINOCA (myocardial infarction with non-obstructive arteries) patients and the importance to differentiate them from myocardial infarction patients. Recent Findings: The role of CMR is crucial to diagnose the principal diseases involved in MINOCA, as demonstrated. The several MR sequences used in all the MINOCA patients showed different results for all the different causes of MINOCA and, surely, high-resolution MR with gadolinium enhancement has been considered the best method to differentiate the transmural lesions. Summary: Another fundamental aspect to be considered is the experience of CMR radiologists, which represent the most important element for the right diagnosis of MINOCA. Surely, in the future, CMR will be the most important technique of choice for MINOCA patients, playing a key role in their management.