Popovic B, et al. - Via this retrospective analysis of 1,270 consecutive ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, researchers compared procedural features, myocardial perfusion, and long-term outcomes between the patients in the ectatic group (n=91) and control group (n=1,179); the groups were defined according to the coronary anatomy of the infarct-related artery (IRA). Lower thombolysis in myocardial infarction grade 3 flow rate following percutaneous coronary intervention and more frequent distal embolization were seen in the ectatic group vs control group. The ectatic group had significantly higher left ventricular ejection fraction values at discharge and a smaller infarct size assessed within 6-12 months post-discharge. Overall, discrepancies between high angiographic thrombus burden in a larger vessel and influence on left ventricular function, both of which could impact long-term survival, were reported as the characteristics of patients with ectatic IRA.