Rethinking the definition of MINOCA

Patients presenting with myocardial injury and non-obstructive coronary arteries pose an important diagnostic challenge, as the underlying cause can range from coronary and microvascular disease to myocarditis, Takotsubo syndrome and other non-ischaemic conditions. 

A novel Viewpoint article, published in the European Heart Journal, proposes redefining MINOCA as “Myocardial Injury with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries”, replacing “infarction” with “injury”. 

The authors, including Prof. Thomas F. Lüscher, argue that this terminology better reflects MINOCA as a working diagnosis, rather than prematurely labelling patients as having had a myocardial infarction. The proposed terminology underscores the importance of further diagnostic evaluation, including cardiac magnetic resonance and, where appropriate, invasive testing, to establish the underlying cause and enable targeted treatment.

Read the entire Viewpoint article here