Invasive monitoring of coronary blood flow in acute myocardial infarction: pathogenetic and therapeutic relevance (original) (raw)

Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease, 1990

Abstract

The need to develop a reliable marker of reperfusion is important in view of the large number of pts in whom thrombolysis is now likely to be used. We measured coronary blood flow (CBF; thermodilution technique) in 12 pts presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and ST elevation in the anterior leads. After application of i.v. thrombolytic therapy (urokinase, 2 mil IU), CBF was measured every 30 min for 4 hrs and then every 4 hrs for 20 hrs. Coronary blood flow increased by more than 30% in 9 pts (G1): from 86±24 to 126±46 ml/min; p < 0.001. No significant changes were seen in the remaining 3 pts (G2). Coronary angiography was performed in all pts and showed patency of the infarct-related artery in 8/9 G1 pts (89%) and occlusion in the remaining four pts. We conclude that measurement of CBF is a relatively simple technique that appears both sensitive and specific in detecting coronary reperfusion in anterior AMI.

Filippo Ottani hasn't uploaded this paper.

Let Filippo know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.