Clinical validity of washout time constant images obtained by digital subtraction angiography

Functional images of left ventricular myocardial perfusion were obtained using the washout time constant obtained from the analysis of digital subtraction angiograms (DSA). The results were compared with those of left ventriculography to evaluate its clinical validity. DSA examinations were performed in eight patients with old anterior myocardial infarction and in 10 control subjects. Washout time constant images of the left ventricular wall were nearly homogeneous in normal cases. On the contrary, regional heterogeneity on the washout time constant images was observed in cases of anterior infarction. The abnormal region in the washout time constant image corresponded well to the area of abnormal percent wall thickening, whereas the extent of the abnormal wall motion area tended to be broader than that of the abnormal washout time constant area or area of abnormal percent wall thickening. Thus, the washout time constant images obtained by DSA may comprise a reliable means of estimating the extent of ischemia in the myocardium.