Role of echocardiography in the assessment of myocardial viability

Am J Med Sci. 2009 May;337(5):349-54. doi: 10.1097/MAJ.0b013e3181a39391.

Abstract

In the assessment of chronic myocardial infarction, echocardiography plays a vital role through the recognition of hibernating yet potentially viable myocardium that could benefit from revascularization. Echocardiography provides information through basic evaluation of cardiac structure and through evaluation of the functional response to dobutamine stress. In addition, a number of newer modalities such as myocardial contrast echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, and strain imaging provide further diagnostic capability. This review assesses the role of echocardiography in the identification of patients with chronic myocardial infarction who could benefit from revascularization.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiology / methods
  • Chronic Disease
  • Dobutamine / therapeutic use
  • Echocardiography / methods*
  • Electrocardiography / methods*
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnostic imaging
  • Myocardial Stunning
  • Myocardium / pathology*
  • Perfusion
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler

Substances

  • Dobutamine