Publication:

Evaluation of coronary microcirculation by myocardial contrast echocardiography in patients of ST elevation myocardial infarction

Background No reflow phenomenon observed during catheter intervention has been associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes. Assessment of filling defect by myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) correlates with no reflow. Limited studies are available for the same. This study was designed to look for impact of type of therapy for revascularization (whether percutaneous coronary intervention or thrombolysis) and its evaluation by MCE and follow up echocardiography parameters.

Methods Total 50 consecutive patients of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were taken study including recent STEMI (within 7 days). After all routine investigations patient underwent coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure. Following completion of procedure, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow, TIMI frame count, and myocardial blush grade were calculated and noted. Post revascularization contrast echocardiography was done after patient stabilization. Findings were correlated with cath-lab parameters applying appropriate statistical tests. Follow up was planned after 30 days.

Results 50 consecutive patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction (MI) or recent MI (0-7 day) who underwent primary PCI - 82% (n=41) or thrombolysed with various thrombolytic agents - 18% (n=9). Mean age of the study group was 55.02±12.65 years. There was significant association in between TIMI 3 flow and absence of filling defect in MCE (p=0.03), but no significant association found in between revascularization therapy (Either PCI or Thrombolysis) and filling defect in MCE (p=0.08).

Conclusions Our study found good correlation between myocardial contrast score with angiographically measured TIMI flow and improved echocardiographic findings on follow up.