CONTRAST ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY WITH ASSESSMENT OF MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION IN DIAGNOSIS OF NO-REFLOW PHENOMENON IN PATIENT WITH ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Abstract

Timely performed endovascular revascularization is the main modern method of treating for patients with acute myocardial infarction and elevated ST segment. In most cases, it is possible to achieve rapid recovery of coronary blood flow in the infarct related artery. Nevertheless, 10–40 % of patients manifest diminished myocardial reperfusion despite successful opening of the obstructed epicardial artery – so called the no-reflow phenomenon. The main angiographic features of hypoperfusion in the infarction zone are decrease in the degree of myocardial glow and/or blood flow by the TIMI scale. However, the use of angiographic criteria does not always allow accurate detection of developing no-reflow phenomenon. The presented case demonstrates the possibilities and potential benefits of contrast enhanced echocardiography in assessing the no-reflow phenomenon in a patient with acute myocardial infarction after revascularization.

Keywords

• coronary heart disease
• acute myocardial infarction
• no-reflow phenomenon
• contrast echocardiography
• percutaneous coronary intervention
• angiography