microvascular obstruction
Also written as: MVO — Microvascular Obstruction
Impaired perfusion at the capillary level despite successful restoration of epicardial coronary flow, typically assessed using cardiac MRI.
Full Definition
Microvascular obstruction (MVO) represents damage to the coronary microvasculature that prevents adequate tissue perfusion even after successful reperfusion of the epicardial coronary artery. It appears as hypointense regions within areas of late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac MRI and is associated with poor prognosis following myocardial infarction. MVO can be detected using first-pass perfusion imaging or late gadolinium enhancement sequences, where it appears as persistent dark cores within hyperenhanced infarcted tissue. The presence and extent of MVO are important prognostic markers for adverse cardiac events and left ventricular remodeling.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as MVO in clinical contexts; distinguish from macrovascular obstruction of epicardial vessels.
In Context
- "The cardiac MRI report identified extensive microvascular obstruction within the anterior wall infarct zone." — Radiology report
- "Patients with microvascular obstruction showed significantly worse clinical outcomes at 6-month follow-up." — Clinical research paper