RESIDUAL LEFT-VENTRICULAR PUMP FUNCTION AFTER ACUTE MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION IN NIDDM PATIENTS

OBJECTIVE - Left ventricular remodeling occurs immediately after MI, involving structural changes in noninfarcted segment. However, the residual left ventricular pump function in NIDDM patients after acute MI has not been clarified. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in the process of left ventricular remodeling between NIDDM and nondiabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - Left ventricular regional EF images obtained by radionuclide angiography were investigated in 20 NIDDM and 29 nondiabetic patients the 3rd wk after acute MI. RESULTS - Regional EF of the noninfarcted area and P/V had a significant hyperbolic relation with left ventricular EDV in both groups of patients. Despite no difference in the extent of myocardial necrosis and the number of coronary vessels diseased between NIDDM and nondiabetic patients, regional EF of the noninfarcted area and P/V were significantly lower when left ventricular EDV increased in NIDDM patients compared with nondiabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS- Pathogenetic changes of the residual myocardium associated with NIDDM may adversely influence the process of left ventricular remodeling after MI, especially in patients with increased left ventricular EDV.