Utility of fractional flow reserve to determine treatment after recent large myocardial infarction with severe left ventricular dysfunction

Abstract

Evaluation of ischemia and the extent of viable myocardium is required prior to consideration of revascularizing a lesion after a myocardial infarction in which there is hypo- or akinesis. We present a case in which we utilized fractional flow reserve (FFR) of a lesion in a patient whose nuclear study 7 days after infarction suggested minimal viability in the infarct zone. After FFR was positive, stenting was performed with recovery of a large amount of viable myocardium at 1 month as shown on nuclear study. This case illustrates that if ischemia is demonstrated by FFR in an infarct-related artery even with minimal viability by nuclear study, revascularization may result in significant myocardial recovery.