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Digitalis and myocardial infarction in man
Circulation
|July 1, 1980
Summary
Digoxin showed a small but significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) after myocardial infarction. This benefit occurred without negatively impacting cardiac perfusion or regional wall motion.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The role of digitalis in acute myocardial infarction (MI) treatment remains debated.
- Assessing digoxin's impact on cardiac function and infarct size is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of digoxin on myocardial perfusion, left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), and abnormal wall motion after acute MI.
- To correlate cardiac enzyme release with initial wall motion estimates.
Main Methods:
- 23 patients post-MI were assessed using thallium-201 scintigraphy and radionuclide angiography.
- Creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) levels were monitored.
- 14 patients received digoxin; 9 served as controls.
Main Results:
- Digoxin administration led to a statistically significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (EF).
- No significant changes were observed in infarct size, as measured by thallium-201 perfusion or abnormal contracting regions.
- Digoxin did not adversely affect left ventricular (LV) perfusion or regional wall motion.
Conclusions:
- Digoxin offers a modest but significant enhancement in EF post-MI.
- The benefits of digoxin in this context do not compromise myocardial perfusion or regional function.