Noninvasive Assessment of Myocardial Viability

Abstract

Despite advances in medical therapy and improvements in techniques for myocardial revascularization, the prognosis remains poor for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, which is characterized by extensive coronary artery disease and diminished global left ventricular function. Five-year rates of survival range from 50 to 60 percent. Survival is worse as the left ventricular ejection fraction decreases, the extent of coronary artery disease increases, and the age of the patient increases.¹ Chronic left ventricular dysfunction in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy most often results from either scarring, as a consequence of myocardial necrosis, or myocardial hibernation. The presence of myocardial hibernation suggests that . . .