OBJECTIVE

To evaluate myocardial function and left ventricular blood flow in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) before and after myocardial revascularization.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 68 patients with CAD aged 61.2±3.1 years including 36 (53%) patients without previous myocardial infarction (group 1) and 32 (47%) patients with previous Q wave myocardial infarction (group 2). Transthoracic echocardiography in standard fashion with subsequent computer processing of images and assessment of eddy currents in the left ventricle (LV) was performed before and after myocardial revascularization. We analyzed myocardial displacement rate (V), LV volume changes dVol/dt) and LV long axis changes (dL/dt) in systole and diastole using vector analysis.

RESULTS

In the 1 group, we found postoperative increase in the rate of LV volume change (dVol/dt) in systole and reduction in diastole, as well as decrease in the diastolic rate of LV long axis change (dL/dt). In the 2 group, we revealed postoperative increase in systolic and diastolic dL/dt values, as well as increase in systolic and diastolic myocardial contraction rate (V) reflecting regional contractility. All patients had significant violations of systolic and diastolic LV eddy currents before revascularization with severe contractility dyssynchrony in both phases of cardiac cycle.

CONCLUSION

Coronary blood flow recovery in ischemic areas not only reduces dyssynchrony and increases myocardial contraction rate, but also restores LV eddy currents as early as 4 months after revascularization. Restoration of intraventricular blood flows is an integral indicator of normalization of myocardial function.