myocardial blush grade
Also written as: MBG — Myocardial Blush Grade
An angiographic assessment of myocardial tissue-level perfusion, graded 0-3 based on contrast opacification and clearance patterns.
Full Definition
Myocardial blush grade (MBG) is an angiographic scoring system that evaluates microvascular perfusion at the tissue level by assessing the intensity and clearance of contrast opacification in the myocardial territory supplied by the treated vessel. The grading system ranges from 0 (no blush) to 3 (normal blush with prompt clearance). Grade 0 indicates no tissue-level perfusion, grade 1 shows minimal blush without clearance, grade 2 demonstrates moderate blush with slow clearance, and grade 3 represents normal blush intensity with brisk clearance by the next injection. MBG provides important prognostic information beyond epicardial flow assessment and correlates with infarct size, left ventricular function recovery, and clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Usage
Usage note: Document specific grade (0-3) and distinguish from epicardial flow measurements like TIMI flow.
In Context
- "Post-PCI angiography demonstrated TIMI 3 flow with myocardial blush grade 3, indicating excellent tissue-level reperfusion." — Primary PCI completion report
- "Despite achieving TIMI 3 flow, the myocardial blush grade was only 1, suggesting impaired microvascular perfusion." — STEMI intervention assessment