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Problems in assessing infarction size by epicardial mapping: preliminary studies with quinidine
European Journal of Cardiology
|December 1, 1976
Summary
Epicardial mapping in dogs may underestimate myocardial infarction size. This technique, used to assess drugs like quinidine, requires caution due to potential underestimation of injury area.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular physiology
- Myocardial infarction research
Background:
- Assessing myocardial infarction size is crucial for understanding ischemia.
- Intermittent coronary artery occlusion is a model for studying infarction.
- Epicardial mapping is a technique used to evaluate myocardial injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate laboratory difficulties in assessing infarction size using epicardial mapping.
- To evaluate the effect of quinidine on infarction size in a canine model.
- To correlate electrophysiological findings with histological evidence of myocardial damage.
Main Methods:
- Anesthetized open-chest dogs were used.
- Intermittent occlusion of a left anterior descending coronary artery branch was performed.
- Epicardial mapping and histological analysis were employed to assess infarction size.
Main Results:
- Epicardial mapping tended to underestimate the actual area of myocardial injury.
- ST-segment elevation, indicative of ischemia, was observed during occlusions.
- Quinidine administration showed a lessening of ST-segment elevation compared to saline controls, but interpretation is limited.
Conclusions:
- Epicardial mapping may underestimate infarction size in dogs.
- Caution is advised when interpreting drug intervention studies using this technique.
- Further research is needed to refine methods for accurate infarction size assessment.