Computer-Assisted Quantification of Myocardial Reperfusion After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Predicts Functional and Contrast-Enhanced Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Outcomes in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Objective. We investigated whether the Quantitative Blush Evaluator (QuBE) value predicts functional and contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) outcomes at 4-6 months after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Background. QuBE is a computer-assisted open source program to quantify myocardial reperfusion. Although a higher QuBE value is associated with improved myocardial reperfusion measures and lower 1-year mortality, the association with intermediate functional parameters after STEMI has not yet been investigated. Methods. QuBE values were quantified retrospectively on angiograms of patients enrolled in the ancillary CMR study of the proximal embolic protection in acute myocardial infarction and resolution of ST-elevation trial. QuBE en CMR outcomes were independently assessed by reviewers blinded to clinical data. Results. A higher QuBE value was significantly associated with a smaller left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic and end-systolic volume, a higher LV ejection fraction and systolic wall thickening in the infarct area, and a smaller final infarct size and extent of transmural segments (P