[The rational approach to the estimation of the myocardial infarction size]

The paper contains review of published data on various methods of quantitative assessment of myocardial infarction (MI) with demonstration of their advantages and drawbacks. Comparative analysis of applicability of existing biochemical markers of necrosis for measurement of the volume of myocardial damage is also presented. Troponin I level measured in 72 hours after onset of chest pain appears to be the most reliable predictor of MI size but its use is justified only in patients with restored perfusion. Troponin T level measured in 72 hours after onset of acute coronary syndrome also correlates closely with MI size but does not depend on the character of reperfusion. Estimation of MI size based on blood concentration of troponins is more precise than methods based on levels of creatine phosphokinase and its MB fraction.