Reliable biomarker
Scientists have learned for the first time how to quickly distinguish a heart attack from myocarditis
Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+
Both conditions can manifest similar clinical symptoms and this significantly complicates the operative diagnosis in case of suspected acute myocardial infarction. Now, thanks to the discovery of scientists from Spain, doctors will be able to quickly and accurately determine myocarditis by a drop of blood.
Article by Blanco-Domínguez et al. A Novel Circulating microRNA for the Detection of Acute Myocarditis is published in the New England Journal of Medicine – VM.
Myocarditis is characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle due to infection, exposure to toxins or drugs, as well as against the background of autoimmune diseases and in rare cases — after cancer immunotherapy. Without treatment, myocarditis can progress to severe dilated cardiomyopathy, which is easily confused with acute myocardial infarction without multi-stage diagnosis.
The current situation should change thanks to the discovery of scientists from Spain, who for the first time identified the miR-721 microRNA biomarker in human blood, accurately indicating myocarditis in the early stages. The sensitivity and specificity of the new test was more than 90%, according to a press release from Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares The first blood biomarker to distinguish between myocarditis and acute myocardial infarction.
The new test will allow doctors to quickly distinguish myocarditis from acute myocardial infarction, myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery disease and other inflammatory diseases of autoimmune origin, the authors said. A few drops of blood are required for a quick and accurate diagnosis.
Currently, to confirm myocarditis, the patient is prescribed coronary angiography or computed tomography, as well as MRI for final diagnosis. Obviously, not all patients with myocarditis have the opportunity to be examined with this equipment, so they often learn about the disease when the condition progresses to the need for a heart transplant. According to the blood test, they will be able to determine pathology at an early stage and prevent the development of irreversible consequences.
Scientists are already working on a test to assess the short- and long-term risks of myocardial inflammation, as well as the risks of recurrence of the condition. The timing of commercialization of new tests has not yet been announced.
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