Myocardial Contrast Echocardiographic Estimates of Infarct Size Predict Likelihood of Left Ventricular Remodeling After Acute Anterior Wall Myocardial Infarction

Objectives We sought to determine the utility of myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) in predicting left ventricular (LV) remodeling (LVR) in patients with a recent anterior wall myocardial infarction and residual regional LV akinesis. Background Although recent studies have shown that MCE predicts recovery of regional and global LV systolic function after myocardial infarction, the relationship between myocardial perfusion patterns and likelihood of subsequent LVR has not been extensively studied. Methods In all, 50 patients (mean age 62 years) underwent contrast-enhanced echocardiography for determination of LV volumes and ejection fraction, and MCE, 2 days after admission, with follow-up contrast-enhanced echocardiography 6 months later. LVR was defined as greater than 15% increase in LV end-diastolic volume index at follow-up. Results LVR occurred in 19 patients (38%) (group 1), with stable LV volumes in 31 patients (62%) (group 2). Routine clinical and angiographic variables did not differ between groups 1 and 2. Both transmural extent of infarction and number of abnormally perfused myocardial segments (assessed by MCE) predicted LVR. LVR occurred in 55% of patients with transmural perfusion defects, and was less common in those with subendocardial perfusion defects or normal perfusion (31% and 21%, respectively). The mean percent increase in LV size was significantly greater for transmural infarcts (15 ± 7%) versus subendocardial infarcts or normal perfusion (−1 ± 8 and 8 ± 8, respectively). When more than 5 myocardial segments were abnormally perfused, remodeling always occurred and was extensive. Conclusions MCE markers of infarct size are useful in predicting subsequent risk of LVR after myocardial infarction. Routine performance of MCE studies in select patients early after infarction may be helpful in further refining risk stratification.