[Left ventricular remodelling]

Abstract

An acute myocardial infarction, particularly one that is large and transmural, can produce expansion and alterations in the topography of both the infarcted and non-infarcted regions or the ventricle. This remodelling can importantly affect the function of the ventricle and the prognosis. Side-to-side slippage of myocytes in the myocardium occurring in association with ventricular dilatation is responsible for wall thinning. The increased internal load that is sustained through the cardiac cycle is thought to promote further stress, dilatation and hypertrophy of the non-infarcted area. The collagen network has been showed to be high responsible for the remodelling of the interstitium and therefore for the scar formation involved in the expansion. The process for ventricular enlargement can be influenced by infarct size, healing end ventricular wall stresses. The process of scarification can be interfered with during the acute infarct period by the administration of glucorticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, which results in thinner infarct and further expansion. A most effective way to prevent or minimize the increase in ventricular size is to limit the initial insult. Acute thrombolytic reperfusion therapy may work in this way. Finally early and long-term therapy with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor can favorably alter the loading conditions of the left ventricle, reducing progressive enlargement with a prolongation in survival.