Evaluation of Left Ventricular Remodeling and Prognosis after PCI in Acute Myocardial Infarction Using Real-Time, Three-Dimensional Echocardiography Combined with Layer-Specific Strain Imaging

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate left atrial and left ventricular volumes, strains, and strain rates in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography and layer-specific strain techniques. The relationships between these parameters and left ventricular remodeling (LVR) and prognosis were also explored. Methods: The study included 217 patients with first-episode STEMI who underwent emergency PCI. Echocardiography and myocardial strain analyses were performed within 24 h post-PCI. Patients were categorized into early and non-early LVR groups based on the increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV). The occurrence of major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) was followed up for one-year post-PCI. Differences in clinical data and ultrasound parameters between the groups were compared, and the predictive value of myocardial strain indicators for late LVR was analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: Early LVR occurred in 54.8% of patients and was characterized by decreased left ventricular systolic function, more segments with abnormal movement, and reduced absolute strain values in the three layers of the left ventricular wall myocardium, with a compensatory increase in left atrial strain rate during the contraction phase. The early LVR group showed a higher incidence of MACE at the one-year follow-up. At 6 months post-PCI, 29.9% of patients developed late LVR, which was not completely related to early LVR. Late LVR was associated with a higher incidence of MACE. The longitudinal strain value of each layer of left ventricular myocardium obtained from layer-specific strain imaging showed predictive value for advanced LVR. Conclusions: More than half of patients with STEMI develop early LVR post-PCI, with a higher incidence of MACE during one-year of follow-up, necessitating attention to early LVR in clinical practice. Late LVR, which develops in some patients after 6 months, is also linked to a higher incidence of MACE. Accurate monitoring of the myocardial deformation function using layer-specific strain imaging is expected to become a reference indicator for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Monitoring the structure and function of the left atrium and mitral valve alongside the LVR is important for prognostic assessment and for formulating diagnostic and treatment plans.