Inflammatory cell content of coronary thrombi is dependent on thrombus age in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

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Abstract

Background: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is typically caused by an occlusive coronary thrombus. The process of intracoronary thrombus formation is poorly understood. It is known that inflammatory cells play a role in the formation and resolution of venous thrombi, however their role in coronary thrombosis is not clear. We therefore analyzed inflammatory cells in thrombi derived from patients with STEMI in relation to histologically classified thrombus age. Methods: Thrombus aspirates of 113 patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention were prospectively collected and classified (fresh, lytic, or organized) based on hematoxylin and eosin staining. The density of inflammatory cells neutrophils (MPO), monocytes/macrophages (CD68), lymphocytes (CD45), and the platelet area (CD31), were visualized using immunohistochemistry. Patients' history, medication, and laboratory data were registered. Results: Fresh thrombi (76.1%) were the most abundant as compared to lytic (16.8%) and organized (7.1%) thrombi. Neutrophils were significantly less present in organized (169 cells/mm(2)) compared to fresh (327 cells/mm(2)) and lytic thrombi (311 cells/1nm2). Monocytes/macrophages were significantly more present in lytic (471 cells/mm(2)) than in fresh (312 cells/mm2) thrombi. We additionally found that thrombi from patients aged <50 years as compared to >50 years old contained significantly more neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages irrespective of thrombus age. Furthermore platelet area was smaller in patients on aspirin again irrespective of thrombus age. No gender differences were found. Conclusions: The composition of inflammatory cells differs with thrombus age in thrombosuction material of STEMI patients that in part depends on patient age and medication. (C) 2016 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)394-400
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of cardiology
Volume69
Issue number1-2
Early online date2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2017

Keywords

  • Journal Article

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