Value of myocardial regional perfusion on long-term function in collateral-dependent myocardium

Background: Collateral circulation is considered key for left ventricular (LV) function recovery in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO). However, there are conflicting reports about the influence of collaterals on LV recovery after revascularization. Methods: Echocardiographic assessment of regional myocardial perfusion, wall motion score (WMS), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were performed in patients with angiographically visible collateral circulation of grades 2 and 3. Results: The WMS and LVEF of group B (with presence of myocardial regional perfusion) were significantly improved at one month and six months compared to those of group A (with absence of myocardial regional perfusion). The correlation between myocardial regional blood flow and changes in WMS and LVEF was significant at 6 months in patients with angiographically visible collateral circulation of grade 2 and 3. Similar correlations were observed on myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) score index. Conclusion: Myocardial function recovery in patients with CTO is determined by myocardial regional perfusion. MCE has important value for prognosis and risk stratification in patients with CTO undergoing cardiac catheterization.