Prediction of clinical outcome after mechanical revascularization in acute myocardial infarction by markers of myocardial reperfusion

Objectives We sought to evaluate and compare recently suggested parameters of reperfusion after angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) for risk stratification during long-term follow-up. Background Abnormal myocardial perfusion has a detrimental impact on survival. Several parameters of reperfusion have been evaluated in controlled study populations for risk stratification. Methods In 253 consecutive patients undergoing intervention in AMI on a native coronary vessel, angiographic myocardial blush grade (MBG), corrected TIMI (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction) frame count (CTFC) and persistent ST-segment elevation (STE) were determined to evaluate reperfusion. This was a high-risk population, including referral for treatment failure at a primary center in 29.2%, failed thrombolysis in 22.1% and cardiogenic shock in 13.4% of cases. Results In addition to age, patient referral, LBBB and heart rate on admission, MBG 0 to 1 (odds ratio [OR] = 3.23, p < 0.001), CTFC (OR = 1.01, P = 0.015) and persistent STE >2 leads (OR = 3.46, P = 0.010) were univariate predictors of mortality during a 22.1 ± 15.6 months follow-up. Myocardial blush grade 0 to 1 (OR = 2.17, P = 0.033) and persistent STE (OR = 3.61, P = 0.017) persisted as independent predictors of mortality, whereas CTFC failed. Differences in mortality between reperfusion groups at 30 days remained throughout the complete follow-up. In sequential Cox models, the predictive power of clinical data alone for mortality (model chi-squared 55.8) was strengthened by adding MBG (model chi-squared 64.2) and ECG postintervention (model chi-squared 69.2). Conclusions Myocardial blush grade 0 to 1 and persistent STE are independent predictors for long-term mortality after angioplasty in AMI. Corrected TIMI frame count is a less powerful predictor. Combining both parameters to consider quality of reperfusion in the myocardium at risk and extent of the infarct zone increases the predictive power.