Sequential Radionuclide Assessment of Left and Right Ventricular Performance after Acute Transmural Myocardial Infarction

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Ventricular performance was evaluated sequentially in 31 patients with uncomplicated acute transmural myocardial infarction (13 anterior and 18 inferior). Left ventricular ejection fraction, ejection rate, regional wall motion and right ventricular ejection fraction were ascertained using 1st-pass radionuclide-angiocardiography on 4 occasions during hospitalization. Inferior infarction resulted in a greater reduction in right ventricular ejection fraction than anterior infarction (mean .+-. SEM [standard error of the mean]; 48 .+-. 2 vs. 56 .+-. 2%, P < 0.01). In anterior infarction there was greater depression of left ventricular ejection fraction than in inferior infarction (34 .+-. 3 vs. 50 .+-. 3%, P < 0.01). From initial to discharge studies, there was no significant change in global performance or regional wall motion in either group. The location of transmural infarction has a profound effect on the magnitude of right and left ventricular dysfunction. Ventricular systolic performance remains relatively stable during the hospital phase of uncomplicated transmural myocardial infarction.