TITLE:
Characteristics of Non-Obstructive Coronary Syndromes (Minoca, Inoca, Anoca): A Cross-Sectional Study in a First Interventional Cardiology Center in Central Africa
AUTHORS:
Owona Amalia, Tang Nlend Louis Serge, Hamadou Ba, Menanga Alain Patrick
KEYWORDS:
Non-Obstructive Coronary Syndrome, MINOCA, INOCA, ANOCA, Coronary Angiography, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Medical Imaging,
Vol.16 No.2,
April
21,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Non-Obstructive Coronary Syndromes (NOCS), including MINOCA, INOCA, and ANOCA, represent a growing proportion of coronary syndromes still poorly documented in Sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, angiographic, and therapeutic characteristics of NOCS and compare them with Obstructive Coronary Syndromes (OCS) in patients managed in Yaoundé. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted over a three-year period (November 2022-November 2025) at the Yaoundé General Hospital. All consecutive patients admitted for coronary syndrome who underwent coronary angiography were included. Patients were classified as NOCS or OCS based on the presence or absence of coronary lesions ≥ 50% via Quantitative Coronary Angiography (QCA). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. Results: Out of 111 patients presenting with coronary syndrome, 25 (22.5%) had NOCS. Patients with NOCS were significantly younger than those with OCS. Unstable angina was more frequent in the NOCS group. Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT) was less frequently utilized in these patients. Conclusion: NOCS constitutes a frequent and clinically relevant entity in Yaoundé. Their recognition necessitates an individualized diagnostic and therapeutic approach, even in the absence of significant coronary stenosis.