Long term spontaneous evolution of left ventricular function after experimental acute coronary occlusion.

In a canine model of acute occlusion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD), left ventriculography was performed before and immediately after occlusion and also one and three weeks later. Regional left ventricular function was evaluated by the centreline method. Global and regional left ventricular function were significantly depressed immediately after occlusion and showed no significant recovery after one and three weeks, except for a decrease in the paradoxical motion of the LAD territory, which was probably due to stiffening of the infarct area. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]