Intracoronary thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction

Forty-seven patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) underwent intracoronary infusion of Thrombolysin or streptokinase. In 41, a completely reoccluded artery was reopened. Patency was associated with appearance of arrhythmias, relief of pain, gradual return of the ST-segment to the baseline and appearance of abnormal Q waves. Creatine kinase (CK) and MB-CK enzyme levels peaked earlier. Serial thallium scintigrams showed reduction in defect size after reperfusion, and the ejection fraction was higher compared with control. Eighteen patients were recommended for coronary bypass surgery for recurrent pain or severe multivessel disease.