Clinical significance of ventricular dyskinesis in acute myocardial infarction assessed by apexcardiography

Apexcardiograms [ACG] recorded in 64 patients with anterior acute myocardial infarction disclosed in 36 cases [56.2%] paradoxal systolic precordial pulsation considered as an expression of ventricular dyskinesis [VD]. The functional significance of VD was assessed by the left ventricle systolic time intervals. There was a significant shortening of the left ventricular ejection time (LVET) and a significant increase in the pre-ejection period (PEP) and of PEP/LVET ratio in patients with VD. The heart/chest ratio was greater in patients with VD but the difference was not statistically significant. The condition of the heart after the acute phase of myocardial infarction was much better in patients without VD or with transient VD in than in those with permanent VD. 91.3% of the patients with permanent VD presented heart failure and belonged to the functional class III-IV. These findings indicate that patients presenting ACG-assessed VD have frequently an altered cardiac performance and a worse long-term prognosis.