Predictive value of two-dimensional echocardiographic and hemodynamic measurements on admission with acute myocardial infarction

To identify high-risk patients with acute myocardial infarction, we compared admission values of two-dimensional echocardiography and hemodynamic monitoring. Left ventricular wall motion score (WMS), left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI), and pulmonary capillary pressure (PCP) were obtained in 77 patients without clinical signs of heart failure. Progression into Killip grade 3 or 4 was found in 16 of 77 patients (21%) within 32 +/- 6 hours (mean +/- 1 standard deviation) after admission. Mean WMS, LVSWI, and PCP in those patients who developed severe pump failure were significantly different from those who did not: 13.4 +/- 4.9 versus 7.3 +/- 4, 30 +/- 4 versus 46 +/- 11 gm/m2, and 21 +/- 8 versus 12 +/- 6 mm Hg, respectively. Sensitivity of WMS of greater than 7 and LVSWI of less than 35 gm/m2 in predicting Killip grade 3 or 4 was 88% and 94%, specificity was 57% and 87%, positive predictive value was 35% and 65%, and negative predictive value was 95% and 98%. Sensitivity of PCP was low (50%). Early identification of patients developing myocardial rupture or reinfarction was limited by both methods. We conclude that echocardiographic examination on admission in patients with acute myocardial infarction provides an alternative approach for early identification of low-risk patients.