ReModeling in ST-elevation myocARrdial Infarction: a Comparison of Left VEntricuLar Functions in Long-term Follow-up Among STEMI Patients

Patients diagnosed with STEMI who underwent pPCI were included in this study. The investigators collected comprehensive data on each patient's status, including laboratory findings such as NT-proBNP, troponin levels, and inflammatory profile assessed by leukocyte count, C-reactive protein, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6. Additionally, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic features, details of the coronary intervention procedure, hospital stay duration, complications, and medical treatments were recorded.

Comprehensive transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) were performed at admission and before discharge. Myocardial tissue characterization was conducted by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging before discharge, assessing intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH), microvascular obstruction (MVO), infarct size (IS), area at risk (AAR), salvaged myocardium, and salvage index.

At the six-month follow-up, laboratory tests, CMR imaging, and TTE were repeated, along with a thorough clinical evaluation. LVR was defined by one of the following criteria: a 20% increase in end-diastolic volume by TTE or 12% by CMR, a 15% increase in end-systolic volume, a sphericity index greater than 42% (CMR only), the emergence of new concentric hypertrophy, or a reduction greater than 10% in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).