30 Dec COVID-19 and Heart Attacks: Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Coronary Clots

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Ana Blasco, MD, PhD
Cardiology Department,
Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro–Majadahonda
Madrid, Spain

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: Our group has been investigating issues related to coronary thrombosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction for years. Recently, we developed a standardized technique for the detection and quantification of extracellular neutrophil networks (NETs) in coronary thrombi. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Madrid, Spain, we had some cases of myocardial infarctions with ST elevation and a large thrombotic component among patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Given the important participation of NETs in severe COVID-19 disease, causing occlusion of microvessels as shown in pulmonary samples, we decided to analyze their role in coronary thrombi. Thanks to similar previous analyzes in patients without COVID-19, we have been able to compare our results with a historical series.

 MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings? 

Response: In this study we have shown that extracellular neutrophil networks also play a major role in the pathogenesis of coronary thrombosis in patients with COVID-19 and ST-elevation myocardial infarction. 

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?

Response: Our findings support the idea that new therapies targeting intravascular NETs might be a relevant goal of treatment and a feasible way to prevent coronary thrombosis in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Citation:

Blasco A, Coronado M, Hernández-Terciado F, et al. Assessment of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Coronary Thrombus of a Case Series of Patients With COVID-19 and Myocardial Infarction. JAMA Cardiol. Published online December 29, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2020.7308

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Last Updated on December 30, 2020 by Marie Benz MD FAAD