myocardial blush grade
A visual scoring system used in coronary angiography to assess microvascular perfusion based on contrast opacification of the myocardium.
Full Definition
Myocardial blush grade (MBG) is a standardized visual assessment tool used during coronary angiography to evaluate microvascular perfusion in the myocardium. The grading system ranges from 0 to 3, with grade 0 indicating no myocardial blush, grade 1 showing minimal blush, grade 2 demonstrating moderate blush that clears slowly, and grade 3 representing normal blush that appears and disappears rapidly. MBG provides valuable prognostic information following percutaneous coronary intervention, as impaired microvascular perfusion despite successful epicardial vessel recanalization indicates poor clinical outcomes.
Usage
Usage note: Scored on a 0-3 scale; higher grades indicate better microvascular perfusion.
In Context
- "Despite TIMI 3 flow restoration, myocardial blush grade was only 1, suggesting microvascular dysfunction." — Interventional cardiology report
- "The patient achieved MBG 3 following primary PCI, indicating good microvascular reperfusion." — Catheterization laboratory report