Grade 3 ischemia on the admission electrocardiogram is associated with severe microvascular injury on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging after ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Grade 3 ischemia during ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is defined as ST elevation with distortion of the terminal portion of the QRS on electrocardiogram (ECG). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ischemic grade on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging infarct characteristics such as infarct size, microvascular obstruction (MVO), intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH), and myocardial salvage.

Methods: Patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention had a 12-lead ECG on presentation for analysis of ischemic grade.

Dynamic Changes in ST Segment Resolution After Myocardial Infarction and the Association with Microvascular Injury on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Background: persistent ST elevation after reperfused ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is believed to be related to poor microvascular perfusion. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can evaluate microvascular obstruction (MVO) and intramyocardial haemorrhage (IMH) both of which represent severe microvascular damage, have independent prognostic value and are dynamic and evolving over the first 48hours after reperfusion. The aim of this study was to assess whether the development of MVO or IMH has an impact upon ST segment resolution.