Question

Which of the following is a specific enzyme marker of cell death in acute myocardial infarction?

• A. Creatine Kinase‐MB
• B. Aspartate aminotransferase
• C. Lactate dehydrogenase
• D. Cardiac troponin

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question asks for a specific enzyme marker that indicates cell death during an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). Let's examine and differentiate the given options to reach the correct answer.

1. Understanding Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI):
   • AMI occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a long enough time that part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies.
   • The death of heart tissue releases specific enzymes and proteins into the bloodstream, which can be used as biomarkers to diagnose AMI.
2. Analyzing the Options:
   • Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB): An enzyme found in the heart muscle, but it is not as specific as troponins for cardiac injury.
   • Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): Although it can increase in AMI, it is not a specific marker for heart tissue and can rise due to other reasons, such as liver damage.
   • Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH): Increases in various tissue injuries but lacks specificity for heart tissues compared to cardiac troponins.
   • Cardiac Troponin: Highly specific to cardiac tissue and considered the gold standard marker for detecting AMI. It has a high sensitivity to cardiac cell death.
3. Conclusion:
   • Cardiac Troponin is the most specific enzyme marker for cell death in the case of an acute myocardial infarction. It remains elevated longer than CK-MB, making it superior for delayed diagnosis as well.

Thus, the correct answer is Cardiac Troponin.