Two-dimensional echocardiographic assessment of regional left ventricular function and geometry following myocardial reperfusion.
Two-dimensional echocardiography is ideally suited for the serial noninvasive assessment of regional function and geometry following reperfusion therapy.  Patients with substantial myocardial salvage show slow but definite recovery in regional function within the first 2 weeks.  The extent of recovery seems to be associated with the degree of necrosis.  Patients with some salvage, which is not enough to cause recovery in regional function, may demonstrate lack of infarct expansion and left ventricular (LV) dilatation.  In the future, newer approaches such as pharmacologic challenge may play a role in defining post-ischemic myocardium early after the ischemic event.
Kaul
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Cardiac Computer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908.
D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D015425:Myocardial Reperfusion; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left / Q000502:physiology*