Patients With Hibernating Myocardium Show Altered Left Ventricular Volumes and Shape, Which Revert After Revascularization

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate whether post-ischemic left ventricular (LV) remodeling might be induced by regional contractile dysfunction per se (i.e., in the absence of transmural necrosis) and whether this phenomenon is potentially reversible after contractile recovery. Background Formation of extensive scar tissue is thought to be chiefly responsible for post-infarction LV remodeling; however, myocardial necrosis also causes loss of contractility. We investigated LV geometry and shape in a setting in which contractile dysfunction occurs in the presence of preserved myocyte viability, and thus it is potentially reversible. Methods In 42 patients with chronically dysfunctional myocardium, we evaluated (by two-dimensional echocardiography) LV global and regional function, volumes, and sphericity index (SI), at baseline and 8 ± 3 months after coronary revascularization. Myocardial viability before revascularization was evaluated by dobutamine echocardiography. Results At baseline, regional and global function were depressed and LV dilation was present. Revascularization was followed by recovery of ejection fraction (from 33 ± 6% to 45 ± 10%, p Conclusions Hibernating myocardium is associated with major alterations in LV volumes and shape, which significantly revert after revascularization. Thus, chronic dyssynergy per se is sufficient to induce ischemic LV remodeling in patients.