Delayed Recovery of Left Ventricular Function after Recanalization of a Chronic Coronary Occlusion

Abstract

An unusually prolonged course of recovery of severely impaired left ventricular (LV) function (EF 32%) was observed in a patient after recanalization of a chronically occluded LAD. Despite persistent vessel patency, LV function remained depressed for almost 2 years after the percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty until complete recovery (EF 82%) could be observed. The possibility of a delayed recovery should be considered when assessing new therapeutic strategies to improve LV function of chronically ischemic myocardium. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.