A simple method for postmortem detection of acute myocardial infarction.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pathology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Early detection of myocardial infarction is crucial for accurate postmortem assessment.
• Traditional diagnostic methods may not always reveal subtle signs of early cardiac events.
• The ionic composition of myocardial tissue can reflect physiological changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of the potassium/sodium (K/Na) ion ratio in myocardium for the postmortem determination of early myocardial infarction.
• To assess the correlation of myocardial ion content with established diagnostic findings.

Main Methods:

• Myocardium samples were decomposed using Lumatom tissue solubizer.
• Potassium (K) and sodium (Na) ion content was measured using flame spectrometry.
• K/Na ion ratios were calculated and compared with clinical, electrocardiographic, autopsy, and histological data.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation was observed between myocardial K/Na ion ratios and electrocardiogram, clinical, autopsy, and histological findings.
• In specific instances, alterations in the K/Na ion ratio served as the sole indicator of early-stage myocardial infarction.
• Lumatom tissue solubizer proved effective for determining trace elements in organic samples.

Conclusions:

• The K/Na ion ratio in myocardium is a valuable biomarker for the postmortem diagnosis of early myocardial infarction.
• This method offers a reliable approach, particularly when other diagnostic indicators are equivocal.
• Lumatom tissue solubizer facilitates efficient trace element analysis in biological tissues.