Corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count and ejection fraction in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the associations between corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (CTFC) of the infarct-related artery (IRA) and ejection fraction (EF) after three-six months in patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: CTFC was determined by a digital system for 78 patients. EF was measured through Simpson’s method upon discharge and three-six months later. The subjects were divided into two groups of CTFC ? 20 (n = 54) and CTFC > 20 (n = 24). Association between CTFC and EF were then specified. RESULTS: CTFC ? 20 and CTFC > 20 were present in 69.2% and 30.8% of the patients, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding baseline characteristics. EF at the time of discharge was 42.1% ± 10.2% and 43.5% ± 11.4% in groups with CTFC ? 20 and > 20, respectively. There was no significant association between EF at discharge and CTFC (P = 0.611). After three months, EF changed to 49.6% ± 8.7% and 41.6 ± 12.4% in the groups with CTFC ? 20 and CTFC > 20, respectively. Three months after PPCI, EF and CTFC had a significant relation (P = 0.007). Cumulative number and percentage of shock and death were 3 (3.8%) and 2 (2.6%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Lower CTFC of the infarct-related artery in patients undergoing PPCI for STEMI was associated with higher left ventricular ejection fraction after three months.