The study aims to assess NTBI in patients with STEMI and its possible relationship with MVO and HEM.
NTBI, LPO–Malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed in 15 patients with STEMI immediately before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h post-PPCI. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) was performed at 5 days and 6 months after STEMI. Myocardial edema and HEM were assessed by T2 and T2* mapping. MVO and necrotic area were assessed by early and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). NTBI was detected in 13/15 patients with the highest values in 4 patients with evidence of MVO and HEM. NTBI levels were significantly related to CK-MB and troponin T values. NTBI kinetics appeared to be different in patients with MVO and HEM (7/15 patients), with a peak value at 6 h after PCI, in comparison with those with no evidence of MVO and HEM, in whom NTBI values were lower and remained indeterminable after the first 24 h.
The detection of elevated NTBI values in patients with STEMI, MVO and HEM suggests a possible role of iron cardiotoxicity in myocardial damage.