Global Research Topics and Trends of Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Background: Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a heterogeneous clinical entity characterized by evidence of myocardial infarction (MI) in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) on angiography. This study aims to explore and visualize the global research trends and hotspots of MINOCA using bibliometric approaches.

Methods:  The search was performed in July 1, 2025 using the keyword ‘MINOCA’ and its synonyms. MINOCA-related articles were obtained from the Scopus database and analyzed using RStudio (version 4.5.0), employing the Bibliometrix package (via Biblioshiny) alongside VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) for bibliometric visualization.

Results: A total of 1694 publications related to MINOCA were identified, showing a marked increase in output over the past decade. The mean citations per article were 19.25, with the highest citation count being in 2018. ‘Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine’ published the most articles, while H.R. Reynolds was the most contributing author. The United States and China emerged as leading contributors. High-impact articles primarily focused on the pathophysiology, diagnostic algorithms, and prognosis of MINOCA. Keyword analysis revealed evolving research hotspots, including pathophysiology, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), coronary microvascular dysfunction, plaque disruption, and sex differences, indicating a growing focus on precision diagnostics and patient-tailored management strategies in MINOCA research.

Conclusion: The research landscape of MINOCA has expanded significantly, with growing attention to its underlying mechanisms and diagnostic challenges. Future studies should prioritize standardized diagnostic criteria and tailored therapeutic approaches. This bibliometric analysis provides a valuable framework for clinicians and researchers to navigate the evolving field of MINOCA.