Evaluation of segmental wall motion disturbances by echocardiography in ischemic heart disease.

Echocardiographic septal and posterior wall motion and thickness were measured in 55 subjects, of whom 20 patients with acute myocardial infarction, 20 with chronic coronary artery disease and 15 control subjects without evidence of cardiac disease. The results of the study that systolic thinning is indicative of an acute event. Abnormal changes in systolic wall thickening and wall motion occur commonly in patients with chronic coronary artery disease. Useful information about segmental wall motion abnormalities can be obtained from the echocardiogram when the areas involved can be visualized, but much of the ventricle is not routinely examined.