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Echocardiography in the Recognition and Management of Mechanical Complications of Acute Myocardial Infarction

  • Echocardiography (JM Gardin and AH Waller, Section Editors)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Although rare, the development of mechanical complications following an acute myocardial infarction is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Here, we review the clinical features, diagnostic strategy, and treatment options for each of the mechanical complications, with a focus on the role of echocardiography.

Recent Findings

The growth of percutaneous structural interventions worldwide has given rise to new non-surgical options for management of mechanical complications. As such, select patients may benefit from a novel use of these established treatment methods.

Summary

A thorough understanding of the two-dimensional, three-dimensional, color Doppler, and spectral Doppler findings for each mechanical complication is essential in recognizing major causes of hemodynamic decompensation after an acute myocardial infarction. Thereafter, echocardiography can aid in the selection and maintenance of mechanical circulatory support and potentially facilitate the use of a percutaneous intervention.

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Data Availability

No datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Cardiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA

    Robert S. Zhang, Richard Ro, Daniel Bamira, Alan Vainrib, Lily Zhang, Ambika C. Nayar, Muhamed Saric & Samuel Bernard

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Zhang, R.S., Ro, R., Bamira, D. et al. Echocardiography in the Recognition and Management of Mechanical Complications of Acute Myocardial Infarction. Curr Cardiol Rep (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-024-02042-5

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