Early predictors of left ventricular function improvement late after myocardial infarction.

Background/aim: Prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AIM) depends on the extent of irreversibly damaged myocardium and viable tissue due to stunning or hibernation. The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic significance of early echocardiographic parameters of myocardial viability in prediction of late recovery of regional and global ventricular function.

Methods: The study prospectively included 40 patients after the first, uncomplicated univessel AIM treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).