Temporal changes in TIMI myocardial perfusion grade in relation to epicardial flow, ST-resolution and left ventricular function after primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background: Myocardial perfusion at the end of reperfusion therapy assessed angiographically with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) has been associated with recovery of left ventricular (LV) function and survival. The aim of this analysis was to study the evolution of TMPG within the first week following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and its association with ECG-derived ST-segment resolution (STRES) and recovery of LV function.

Methods: A total of 76 patients with acute myocardial infarction were pretreated with enoxaparine and abciximab and subjected to primary PCI within a prospective study and evaluated with TMPG assessed on coronary angiography at the end of the procedure and after 5-7 days.