Echocardiography in the assessment of complications of myocardial infarction.
The value of echocardiography as a tool for evaluating the prognosis of patients after myocardial infarction lies in its ability to define the region and extent of ischemic damage. Additionally, echocardiography is useful in assessing and predicting postinfarction complications. Wall motion abnormalities, pericardial effusion, left ventricular thrombi, and left ventricular aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms can be detected using echocardiography. The severity of mitral regurgitation and the location of interventricular septal rupture can also be assessed using echocardiography. This diagnostic tool can provide vital information regarding the appropriate clinical management of patients after myocardial infarction.
Wilansky
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Department of Adult Cardiology, Texas Heart Institute, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Texas.