Identification of Viable Myocardium in Acute Anterior Infarction Using Duration of Systolic Lengthening by Tissue Doppler Strain: A Preliminary Study

In patients with acute myocardial infarctions in the anterior wall, strain measurements can identify myocardium with nontransmural scarring. The duration of systolic lengthening is a novel, easily implemented variable that may identify ischemic but viable myocardium. Myocardial infarctions in other left ventricular regions should be investigated in future studies.