PURPOSE: Coronary flow reserve (CFR) is recognized as an indicator of myocardial perfusion. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between CFR in the non-infarcted myocardium and the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled in the present study, and divided into MACE and non-MACE groups according to the incidence of 12-month MACEs. Left ventricular function and CFR were analyzed using two-dimensional echocardiography and myocardial contrast echocardiography at one week after PCI. Cardiac troponin I levels were assayed to estimate peak concentrations thereof. RESULTS: The MACE group was associated with lower CFR, compared to the non-MACE group (2.41 vs. 2.77, p < 0.001). In the multivariable model, CFR in the non-infarcted myocardium was an independent predictor of 12-month MACE (hazard ratio: 0.093, 95% confidence interval: 0.020–0.426, p=0.002) after adjustment for baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. CONCLUSION: CFR in the non-infarcted myocardium is a useful marker for predicting 12-month MACEs in patients with AMI undergoing primary PCI.
Aged ; Coronary Circulation/*physiology ; *Echocardiography ; Female ; Fractional Flow Reserve, Myocardial ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction/diagnostic imaging/*physiopathology/*surgery ; Myocardial Perfusion Imaging ; Myocardium/*pathology ; *Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Treatment Outcome ; Ventricular Function, Left/*physiology

PURPOSE: Coronary flow reserve (CFR) in the non-infarcted myocardium is often impaired following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the clinical significance of CFR in the non-infarcted myocardium is not fully understood. The objective of the present study was to assess whether a relationship exists between CFR and left ventricular remodeling following AMI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 18 consecutive patients undergoing coronary intervention. Heart function was analyzed using real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography at one week and six months after coronary angioplasty. Ten subjects were enrolled as the control group and were examined using the same method at the same time to assess CFR. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels were routinely analyzed to estimate peak concentration. RESULTS: CFR was 1.55+/-0.11 in the infarcted zone and 2.05+/-0.31 in the remote zone (p<0.01) at one week following AMI. According to CFR values in the remote zone, all patients were divided into two groups: Group I (CFR <2.05) and Group II (CFR >2.05). The levels of cTnI were higher in Group I compared to Group II on admission (36.40 vs. 21.38, p<0.05). Furthermore, left ventricular end diastolic volume was higher in Group I compared to Group II at six months following coronary angioplasty. CONCLUSION: Microvascular dysfunction is commonly observed in the remote myocardium. The CFR value accurately predicts adverse ventricular remodeling following AMI.
Aged ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Circulation/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction/*physiopathology/radiography ; Myocardium/*pathology ; Ventricular Remodeling/*physiology

PURPOSE: Coronary flow reserve (CFR) in the non-infarcted myocardium is often impaired following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the clinical significance of CFR in the non-infarcted myocardium is not fully understood. The objective of the present study was to assess whether a relationship exists between CFR and left ventricular remodeling following AMI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 18 consecutive patients undergoing coronary intervention. Heart function was analyzed using real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography at one week and six months after coronary angioplasty. Ten subjects were enrolled as the control group and were examined using the same method at the same time to assess CFR. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels were routinely analyzed to estimate peak concentration. RESULTS: CFR was 1.55+/-0.11 in the infarcted zone and 2.05+/-0.31 in the remote zone (p<0.01) at one week following AMI. According to CFR values in the remote zone, all patients were divided into two groups: Group I (CFR <2.05) and Group II (CFR >2.05). The levels of cTnI were higher in Group I compared to Group II on admission (36.40 vs. 21.38, p<0.05). Furthermore, left ventricular end diastolic volume was higher in Group I compared to Group II at six months following coronary angioplasty. CONCLUSION: Microvascular dysfunction is commonly observed in the remote myocardium. The CFR value accurately predicts adverse ventricular remodeling following AMI.
Aged ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Circulation/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction/*physiopathology/radiography ; Myocardium/*pathology ; Ventricular Remodeling/*physiology