[X-ray changes in the thoracic organs in acute heart infarct]

Chest X-rays were used to evaluate the hemodynamic status of 86 patients with acute myocardial infarction. The chest films, divided into three groups depending on the degree of pulmonary venous hypertension revealed: grade 1, pulmonary-venous congestion; grade 2, interstitial pulmonary edema; grade 3, diffuse alveolar edema. On clinical examination, four grades of congestive heart failure were distinguished in acute myocardial infarction. In 69% of our patients radiological and clinical grading of left ventricular failure led to precisely the same conclusions. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was measured in 31 patients with acute infarction. Radiological criteria of the degree of pulmonary vascular congestion, when related to pulmonary capillary wedge measurements, provide a basis for consistent therapy of left ventricular failure secondary to acute myocardial infarction.