Abstract 4360243: Effective Restoration of Myocardium and Scar Reduction Post Myocardial Infarction with Intracoronary Cardiosphere-Derived Cells Therapy

Background: Ischemic heart disease, particularly myocardial infarction (MI), remains a major global health burden with a mortality rate of 5-30%, frequently resulting in irreversible myocardial damage, adverse remodeling and chronic heart failure. While current treatments can limit acute injury, they do not restore damaged myocardium. Regenerative therapies, such as cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs), have emerged as a novel frontier to restore viable tissue and improve cardiac function. : Aim: The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of intracoronary administration of CDCs in myocardial infarction. Methods: A comprehnsive review of clinical studies was done to analyze the effects of intracoronary infusion of CDCs in post-myocardial infarction patients. The key outcomes assessed in the study include left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), scar size, viable myocardial mass, and segmental contractility using cardiac MRI at baseline and follow-up. Additional parameters such as peak systolic circumferential strain (Ecc), regional wall motion and left ventricular volumes were also analyzed. The study also assesses safety outcomes such as major adverse cardiac events (MACE), arrhythmia rates, and rehospitalization. Results: The studies showed that MRI analysis of patients treated with CDCs for 6 months demonstrated a reduction in scar mass (9.4%), increases in viable heart mass and regional contractility, and regional systolic wall thickening compared to controlled groups. CDC therapy led to improved regional function of infarcted segments compared with control patients. No complications were reported within 24 hours of CDC infusion. No mortalities or cardiac tumors were reported at the end of 6 months. Mild inflammatory side effects were observed in 2% of patients. Conclusion: CDC therapy is a safe and feasible intervention for patients post-myocardial infarction, demonstrating consistent reductions in scar size and increase in viable myocardium. Regional myocardial function showed promising enhancement. These findings highlight the potential of CDCs in structural cardiac repair and localized regeneration. Further research is warranted to establish long-term clinical efficacy and functional benefits.