myocardial stunning
Temporary mechanical dysfunction of viable myocardium following ischemia-reperfusion that gradually recovers function.
Full Definition
Myocardial stunning refers to the phenomenon where previously ischemic but viable myocardium exhibits prolonged contractile dysfunction despite restoration of normal coronary flow. This condition represents a form of reversible myocardial injury that can persist for hours to weeks following reperfusion therapy. Unlike hibernating myocardium, stunned myocardium receives adequate blood flow but demonstrates impaired contractility due to cellular injury from the ischemia-reperfusion process, with function typically recovering spontaneously over time.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from hibernating myocardium and irreversible myocardial damage in clinical context.
In Context
- "Follow-up echocardiography at 6 weeks showed recovery of function, confirming myocardial stunning rather than infarction." — follow-up imaging report
- "The anterior wall hypokinesis was attributed to myocardial stunning following successful PCI." — post-intervention assessment