Purpose of review: In acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), successful restoration of blood flow in the infarct-related coronary artery may not secure effective myocardial reperfusion. The mortality and morbidity associated with acute MI remain significant. Microvascular obstruction (MVO) represents failed microvascular reperfusion. MVO is under-recognized, independently associated with adverse cardiac prognosis and represents an unmet therapeutic need.
Recent findings: Multiple factors including clinical presentation, patient characteristics, biochemical markers, and imaging parameters are associated with MVO after MI. Impaired microvascular reperfusion is common following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). New knowledge about disease mechanisms underpins precision medicine with individualized risk assessment, investigation, and stratified therapy. To date, there are no evidence-based therapies to prevent or treat MVO post-MI. Identifying novel therapy for MVO is the next frontier.
Keywords: MRI; Microvascular obstruction; Myocardial infarction; Stratified medicine.