Dynamic Changes of Edema and Late Gadolinium Enhancement After Acute Myocardial Infarction and Their Relationship to Functional Recovery and Salvage Index

Abstract

Myocardial edema is maximal and constant over the first week after myocardial infarction, providing a stable window for the retrospective evaluation of area at risk. By contrast, myocardial areas with high signal intensity in LGE images recede over time with corresponding recovery of function, indicating that acutely detected LGE does not necessarily equate with irreversible injury and may severely underestimate salvaged myocardium.