myocardial viability
Assessment of whether damaged heart muscle retains potential for functional recovery.
Full Definition
Myocardial viability testing evaluates whether areas of dysfunctional myocardium retain sufficient viable tissue to justify revascularization procedures. This assessment is crucial in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy where distinguishing between reversibly dysfunctional (hibernating) myocardium and irreversibly scarred tissue impacts treatment decisions. Various imaging modalities can assess viability, including dobutamine stress echocardiography, cardiac MRI with delayed gadolinium enhancement, and nuclear perfusion imaging. Viable myocardium that appears dysfunctional at rest may improve function after revascularization, while non-viable tissue will not benefit from restoration of blood flow.
Usage
Usage note: Link to specific testing modality and revascularization decision-making.
In Context
- "Viability testing showed sufficient viable myocardium to warrant surgical revascularization." — Pre-operative assessment
- "The absence of myocardial viability in the anterior wall argued against PCI." — Treatment decision