Comprehensive Echocardiographic Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in Acute Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty vs. Delayed Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty: A Follow-Up

Abstract

Background: Right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVMI) significantly increases mortality and morbidity in patients with inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI). The occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery (RCA) frequently causes RV infarction. This prospective, observational study examines the echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular (RV) function in 48 patients with IWMI who underwent either primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or PTCA within one month of the index event. Using parameters such as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and myocardial performance index (MPI), the study evaluates RV function at discharge, 3 months, and 6 months post revascularization. The results show that early revascularization (primary PTCA) leads to significantly better recovery of RV function than delayed PTCA, particularly in patients who received thrombolysis.