Myocardial contrast echocardiography and quantitative videointensity analysis after myocardial infarction: correlation between residual myocardial perfusion, contractile reserve and long-term remodeling.

Background: Previous studies have shown the important role played by intracoronary myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) in predicting the long-term remodeling and function after myocardial infarction. The left ventricular volume is an important determinant of the clinical outcome following an acute event. No data, however, are available on the role of intravenous MCE in this regard.