Portable Serial Roentgenkymography in Acute Myocardial Infarction

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Abstract
Serial roentgenkymographic records were taken at the bedside of 31 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Most such tracings are adequate for determining "ballooning" (systolic reversal) and other defects of left ventricular contraction and expansion. These abnormalities are observed frequently in this condition and fluctuate from day to day, appearing or disappearing at various rates. Ballooning is the most serious defect, in that it was observed in the roentgenkymograms of all the patients who died and in all those with severe shock. Serial roentgenkymograms are of value as diagnostic aids, as evidence of the immediate and changing functional state of the myocardium and as an index of prognosis. They may herald further extension of the infarct or ventricular rupture. Roentgenkymographic abnormalities, including ballooning, may persist after clinical recovery.