akinesis
Pronunciation: ah-KI-nee-sis
Complete absence of wall motion in a myocardial segment during systolic contraction.
Full Definition
Akinesis refers to the complete absence of wall motion and thickening in a specific myocardial segment during systole, as assessed by echocardiography or cardiac MRI. This finding typically indicates transmural myocardial infarction or severe ischemia affecting that particular coronary territory. Akinetic segments show no inward movement or systolic thickening, appearing as a fixed, non-contracting region of the ventricular wall. The 17-segment model is commonly used to localize akinetic regions and correlate them with specific coronary artery territories. Akinesis represents more severe dysfunction than hypokinesis but less severe than dyskinesis.
Usage
Usage note: Part of the spectrum: normokinesis → hypokinesis → akinesis → dyskinesis.
In Context
- "The anterior wall demonstrated akinesis consistent with LAD territory infarction." — Echocardiography report
- "Akinesis of the inferior wall was noted in segments 4, 10, and 15 of the 17-segment model." — Cardiac MRI report