Role of Early 2D Echocardiography in Patient with Acute Myocardial Infarction in Correlation with Electrocardiography and Clinical Presentation

Echocardiography is noninvasive, most frequently used usually the initial imaging test to evaluate all cardiovascular disease related to structural, functional, or hemodynamic abnormality of the heart or great vessels. The major advantage of echocardiography is the ability to obtain instantaneous real time image even in emergency units. The present study was undertaken to evaluate left ventricular function, extent of myocardium involved and complications of acute myocardial infarction by 2D ECHO, to correlate these findings with ECG and clinical presentation, and to assess the role of 2D ECHO in management and prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on patients visiting our tertiary health centre, Nasik over a period of 2 years. 55 patients were included in the study. Patients with prior history of acute myocardial infarction, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, cardiac surgery, congenital heart disease and non ST elevation MI were not included in the study. Patients were classified as per Killip classification and 2D ECHO was performed on the patients within 24 hours of admission. The findings of which were correlated with clinical and ECG findings. Results: Of 55 patients studied it was found that MI had male preponderance with hypertension as major risk factor. Also, the severity of the infarction increased with the increase in the Killip class. Mean ejection fraction was also observed to be decreasing in patients with increase in severity of the infarction. Conclusion: 2D ECHO performed within 24 hours of admission helps the clinician to predict and diagnose complications in patients with acute MI and take proper steps in the management of the patient.