Publication:

Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular function in patients of acute myocardial infarction

Background 2D Echo can evaluate LV anatomy, function and diagnose post AMI complications in early stages, thus help in management and determining the prognosis. The present study was undertaken to evaluate LV function in patient following AMI and also to find out the incidence of various echocardiographically detectable complications of following AMI.

Methods The present study was conducted on patients visiting our tertiary health centre during study duration. 50 patients were included in the study. Patients with prior history of acute myocardial infarction, pericarditis and early repolarisation syndrome, and primary myocardial disease diagnosed by serum enzyme levels were not included in the study. Patients were classified as per Killip classification and 2D echo study was performed in all patients.

Results Maximum incidence of AMI was found in 51-60 years of age, with male predominance (64%). Anterior wall AMI (58%) was more common. 94% of patients had wall motion abnormalities. Incidence of LV thrombus was found to be 24%. In present study, as the extent and severity of wall motion abnormalities increased, the incidence of LV thrombus also increased. Thus, 2DE study of LV regional wall motion can predict the incidence of LV thrombus.

Conclusions The echocardiographic assessment of LV function in patients of AMI is important as, it detects the regional wall motion abnormality, LVEF and also the complications like LV thrombus, pericardial effusion and LV aneurysm. These observations are of great value in the management of AMI.