[Clinical evaluation of dynamic scintigraphy of the myocardium with Tl-201 in patients with acute myocardial infarction].

Thirty-six patients hospitalized because of suspicion for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were examined within the first 24 hours after symptoms of the disease manifested themselves and during the follow-up on days 5-6 and 28-30. Myocardial perfusion was examined using the technique of perfusion myocardial scintigraphy with 201Tl. In cases of an uncomplicated course of AMI, the scintigrams showed a reduction in the area of perfusion defects (a positive time-course) whereas when the disease progressed the scintigrams reflected a negative time-course expressed in an expansion of the area of perfusion defects. When the scintigrams taken within the first 24 hours of AMI and over the follow-up period showed extensive perfusion defects, the time-course of the disease was severe with a large number of complications, the prognosis being usually poor. The pattern of the thallium scintigraphic picture at various periods of AMI was demonstrated to be heterogeneous. The degree of the perfusion defect, the time-course of its changes during the follow-up can be predictive in relation to the development of circulation insufficiency and mortality.