The non-invasive assessment of hibernating myocardium in ischaemic cardiomyopathy--a myriad of techniques.
Heart failure is placing an ever-increasing burden on society. Many subjects with heart failure and underlying coronary artery disease have a significant amount of akinetic but viable myocardium that is able to contract should myocardial perfusion improve (hibernating myocardium). Non-randomised studies have shown prognostic benefit in subjects with hibernating myocardium undergoing revascularisation. Several non-invasive techniques have been developed to assess the presence or absence of hibernating myocardium. This review will examine the epidemiology and underlying pathogenesis of hibernating myocardium; evaluate the non-invasive techniques for diagnosing hibernating myocardium, and look at therapeutic intervention in subjects with hibernating myocardium.
Galasko
Gavin I W
GI
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3UJ, UK.
Lahiri
Avijit
A
D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D009204:Myocardial Revascularization; D017682:Myocardial Stunning / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D011379:Prognosis; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery