D-dimer levels to exclude pulmonary embolism and reduce the need for CT angiography in COVID-19 in an outpatient population.

OBJECTIVES: Emerging results indicate that, in COVID-19, thromboembolic complications contribute to the high mortality and morbidity. Previous research showed that the prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) is between 25-50% in COVID-19 patients, however, most of these reports are based on data from patients with severe pneumonia, treated in intensive care units. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, single-center, observational study to estimate the prevalence of PE in COVID-19 patients who underwent CT angiography and to identify the most important predictors. Adult outpatients with COVID-19, who presented at our COVID Outpatient Clinic between 1st and 31st of March in 2021 and underwent CTA examination were included in this study. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of PE in COVID-19 patients. The predictors were: age, gender, disease duration, CT severity index and log-transformed quantitative D-dimer (logQDDIM) value. RESULTS: 843 COVID-19 patients were included into the study. 82.56% (693 patients) of the infected patients had a pulmonary CTA examination and D-dimer levels (mean age: 59.82 years ± 15.66). 7.61% (53 patients) of the patients had PE. 2.02% (14 patients) of the patients had main branch or lobar PE. The multiple regression analysis found that only logQDDIM was a significant predictor. A logQDDIM cut-off value of 0.0169 (1.0171 ug/ml serum D-dimer) predicted PE with 99% sensitivity (p<0.0001, degree-of-freedom = 570, AUC = 0.72). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated in a large cohort of COVID-19 patients that a cut-off value of QDDIM of 1ug/ml can exclude pulmonary embolism in an outpatient setting, implicating that QDDIM might potentially supersede CTA as a screening approach in COVID-19 outpatient clinics.

Size of the Carotid Body in Patients with Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases Measured by Computed Tomography Angiography: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVES: Carotid bodies (CBs) play an important role in regulating sympathetic nervous system activity. Thus, they are likely to be enlarged in patients with certain cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The aim of this case-control study was to verify this hypothesis using computed tomography angiography (CTA). METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 141 CTAs including 16 controls, 96 patients with only hypertension (HT), 12 with HT and previous acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 9 with HT and heart failure (HF), and 8 with HT and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We assessed the data using analysis of variance, with p < 0.05 indicating significance. RESULTS: CB average areas in the controls were 2.31 mm2 (right side (RS)) vs. 2.34 mm2 (left side (LS)). CB size was significantly enlarged in patients with HT: 3.07 mm2 (RS) (p=0.019) vs. 2.91 mm2 (LS) (p=0.002). If AMI (RS: 3.5 mm2; LS: 3.44 mm2) or HF (RS: 4.01 mm2; LS: 4.55 mm2) was associated with HT, the CB size was even more enlarged. COPD did not affect CB size (RS: 2.40 mm2; LS: 2.29 mm2). CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that certain diseases with increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system were associated with significantly enlarged CBs.

Angiomyofibroblastoma in a male patient ­ a case report on a rare paratesticular lesion and review of the literature / Angiomyofibroblastoma férfiban - egy ritka paratesticularis eltérés és irodalmi áttekintés.

Összefoglaló. A scrotum képalkotó vizsgálóeljárásai közül elsonek választandó az ultrahang, mivel könnyen hozzáférheto, szenzitivitása és specificitása magas. Szerepe kiemelendo mind az intratesticularis eltérések differenciáldiagnózisában, mind pedig a kevésbé ismert paratesticularis eltérések esetében. Az urológiai ambulancián egy 56 éves férfi jelentkezett kivizsgálásra tapintható terime miatt. Ultrahangvizsgálattal paratesticularis elváltozás látszódott, mely a vizsgálat során az inguinalis csatorna irányába többször elmozdult. A laesio dignitása nem volt meghatározható, ezért mutéti eltávolításra került sor. A szövettani vizsgálat a férfiak körében ritkán eloforduló angiomyofibroblastoma diagnózisát véleményezte. A paratesticularis elváltozások ugyan ritkán fordulnak elo, de a gyakoribb entitások és azok ultrahangos sajátosságainak ismerete elengedhetetlen a terápia tervezése szempontjából. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(34): 1376-1382. Summary. Ultrasonography is the basic imaging technique for the evaluation of testicular structures because it is easily accessible and has high sensitivity and specificity. It plays a significant role in the differential diagnosis of intratesticular changes, in addition, its role should be emphasised in rare paratesticular abnormalities. A 56-year-old male presented in the urology department complaining of a palpable inguinal mass and was referred to ultrasonography for further evaluation. A scrotal ultrasound was performed, and it described a mobile paratesticular mass without any specific characterizations. Therefore the lesion was removed, and the histological analysis established the diagnosis of angiomyofibroblastoma. Paratesticular lesions are rare, but it is essential to know the frequent abnormalities and the corresponding ultrasound findings for planning of treatment. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(34): 1376-1382.

"Gap in the shield" ­ imaging of the thyroid gland from the multidisciplinary perspective / "Rés a pajzson" - a pajzsmirigy modern képalkotó vizsgálata multidiszciplináris szemszögbol.

Összefoglaló. A pajzsmirigy az elso szervek közé tartozik, melyek megjelenítésében, betegségeinek felfedezésében az ultrahang-diagnosztikának fontos szerepe van. A pajzsmirigybetegségek a lakosság jelentos részét érintik, és a technika fejlodésével egyre több pajzsmirigyeltérés, göb kerül felfedezésre. A pajzsmirigy rosszindulatú folyamatainak nincs egy bizonyos specifikus jele, viszont az ultrahangkép alapján meghatározhatók a malignitásra gyanús eltérések. Erre az elmúlt években több összefoglaló rendszer is született. Jelen összefoglaló tanulmányunknak az a célja, hogy bemutassuk a pajzsmirigy ultrahangdiagnosztikájának fejlodését; összehasonlítsuk az egyes leletezési rendszereket, úgymint TIRADS, EU-TIRADS, K-TIRADS, melyek célja a feltehetoleg rosszindulatú göbök kiszurése, azonosítása a mindennapi rutinmunka során; vizsgáljuk a különbözo rendszerek kapcsolatát a patológia által használt Bethesda-pontrendszerrel. Az ultrahangvizsgálat megfelelo értékelése, a pontrendszerek ismerete segíthet a pajzsmirigygöb differenciáldiagnózisában, a követési frekvencia meghatározásában, csökkentheti az aspirációs citológiák számát, ezzel támogatva a klinikai döntéshozatalt. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(14): 530-541. Summary. The thyroid gland was one of the first organs, the ultrasound (US) examination of which has played an important role. The thyroid diseases affect a large part of the population, and with the development of imaging technology, more and more thyroid abnormalities, nodules and malignant lesions are being discovered. There are no specific signs of thyroid cancer, but the suspicious signs could be determined by US. In recent years, several systems have been developed. The aim of our review is to demonstrate the development of US diagnostics of the thyroid gland; to compare the different reporting systems, such as TIRADS, EU-TIRADS, K-TIRADS, which should help to identify the questionable lesions in the daily routine work. We examine the relationship between the different US systems and the Bethesda point score used by pathologists. The literature review shows that the US examination supports the clinical decisions, helps to select, who should have a fine-needle biopsy, and allows to determine the frequency of follow-up. The number of unnecessary fine-needle biopsies could be reduced, too. Our paper is part of a bigger research, the ethical license number is 23/2020, University of Szeged. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(14): 530-541.

The sensitivity and specificity of chest CT in the diagnosis of COVID-19.

PURPOSE: The identification of patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 is highly important to control the disease; however, the clinical presentation is often unspecific and a large portion of the patients develop mild or no symptoms at all. For this reason, there is an emphasis on evaluating diagnostic tools for screening. Chest CT scans are emerging as a useful tool in the diagnostic process of viral pneumonia cases associated with COVID-19. This review examines the sensitivity, specificity, and feasibility of chest CT in detecting COVID-19 compared with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). METHODS: Sensitivity and specificity of chest CT in detecting COVID-19 in its various phases was compared using RT-PCR as a gold standard. A "reverse calculation approach" was applied and treated chest CT as a hypothetical gold standard and compared RT-PCR to it point out the flaw of the standard approach. RESULTS: High sensitivity (67-100%) and relatively low specificity (25-80%) was reported for the CT scans. However, the sensitivity of RT-PCR was reported to be modest (53-88%), hence cannot serve as an appropriate ground truth. The "reverse calculation approach" showed that CT could have a higher specificity (83-100%) if we consider the modest sensitivity of the RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity and specificity of the chest CT in diagnosing COVID-19 and the radiation exposure have to be judged together. Arguments are presented that chest CT scans have added value in diagnosing COVID-19 especially in patients, who exhibit typical clinical symptoms and have negative RT-PCR results in highly infected regions. KEY POINTS: • CT scans have higher specificity if we take into account the low sensitivity of the RT-PCR. • Avoid chest CT as a sole diagnostic approach for COVID-19 infection. • Patients who had negative RT-PCR result with typical clinical symptoms in highly infected regions or with close contact of COVID-19-infected patients; the use of chest CT is warranted.

Testicular adrenal rest tumor in the background of congenital adrenal hyperplasia / [Testicularis adrenalis rest tumor a congenitalis adrenalis hyperplasia hátterében]

The prevalence of testicular adrenal rest tumours varies in different forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Patients with 21-hydroxilase deficiency usually have bilateral and palpable testicular nodules. Although adrenal rest tumours are well documented in the literature, the diagnosis and management require a multidisciplinary approach: the cooperative work of endocrinologists, urologists, pathologists and radiologists is essential. In the case of an early diagnosis, appropriately increased corticosteroid treatment may reduce the tumour mass. In advanced stages, tumours can lead to irreversible parenchymal damage causing infertility. The importance of an early and accurate diagnosis cannot be emphasized enough, since the therapy differs significantly from other benign or malignant testicular neoplasia. A case of a testicular adrenal rest tumour is presented along with the multidisciplinary perspectives of the diagnosis and management of these lesions. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(16): 623­631.

[Differential diagnostic challenges of abdominal wall endometriosis from the radiologist's point of view]. / Hasfali endometriosis: differenciáldiagnosztikai nehézségek a radiológus szemszögébol.

The incidence of endometriosis, including atypical forms of the disease, has been continuously growing, thus increasingly challenging for the imaging specialists as well. We conducted a retrospective study to analyze the results of ultrasound-guided interventions between 2016 and 2018. All interventions were performed in female patients due to uncertain abdominal wall lesions at the University of Szeged, Hungary. The abdominal wall lesions were incidentally detected, one by CT, the others by ultrasound examinations. We identified 12 cases during the study period. The average age of the patients was 59 years (29-79), 8 of them had abdominal surgery in their medical history. The mean diameter of the masses was 34.4 mm (20-49 mm). Since the indication of imaging examinations was the evaluation of a known or suspected malignancy, four patients had undergone an MRI prior to the biopsy. In addition, ultrasound-guided biopsy was not performed in another two patients, and the diagnosis was established by histological examination of the surgically removed specimens. The histological examination revealed malignant primary serous epithelial tumor in one case, metastases in six cases, endometriosis in six patients and abdominal wall abscess was found in one patient. Endometriosis was more frequent in the younger patients. The likelihood of endometriosis as a cause of abdominal wall lesions of younger, premenopausal female patients is rather high, especially with obstetrical or gynaecological operations in the medical history. Ultrasound plays a primary role in the detection and therapy planning of these lesions. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(35): 1395-1403.

In New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Metformin Reduces Fat Accumulation in the Liver, But Not in the Pancreas or Pericardium.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty pancreas and liver disease (NAFPD and NAFLD) and pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) are often associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our aim was to evaluate the incidence rate of NAFLD and NAFPD, PAT size, and the effect of metformin treatment on NAFLD, NAFPD, and PAT in new-onset T2DM (NODM). Methods: Seventeen patients with NODM and 10 subjects used as a control group were involved in the study. Computed tomography (CT) and laboratory tests were performed before the beginning of metformin therapy and 4 months afterward. PAT and the amount of fat in the pancreas and liver were determined by X-ray attenuation during unenhanced CT examination and compared with the values for the control subjects. Results: Metabolic parameters improved significantly after metformin therapy. NAFLD was diagnosed in 64.7% of the patients with NODM and in 10% of the control subjects. The radiation absorption of the liver was significantly lower in the patients with NODM compared with the control group and significantly higher after metformin therapy compared with the baseline values. Only six patients (35.3%) had NAFLD after metformin therapy. NAFPD was diagnosed in 82.3% of the patients with NODM and in 20% of the control subjects. The radiation absorption of the pancreas was significantly lower in the patients with NODM compared with the control group but did not change significantly after treatment. PAT size was significantly larger in the patients with NODM and did not change significantly after metformin treatment. Conclusions: NAFLD, NAFPD, and increased PAT were detected in the majority of patients with NODM. Metformin therapy decreased the amount of fat in the liver in parallel with an improvement in the metabolic parameters and may, thus, be beneficial for preventing the late consequences of NAFLD.

[Initial experiences with 99mTc-PSMA-SPECT/CT in patients with prostate cancer]. / Kezdeti tapasztalatok a 99mTc-PSMA-SPECT/CT-vel prosztatarákos betegekben.

INTRODUCTION: The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a transmembrane protein, that is highly expressed on the surface of prostate cancer cells. In the last few years, several PSMA-specific ligands have been developed, that can be successfully used to detect primary prostate cancer, tumor recurrences and metastases as well. AIM: The goal of our work was to examine the clinical application of a 99mtechnetium-labeled PSMA-radiopharmaceutical as part of the routine diagnostics of prostate cancer. METHOD: We examined 15 male patients with verified prostate adenocarcinoma with suspicion of progression or recurrence of the disease. We performed whole-body PSMA-SPECT/CTs and multiparametric MRIs of the prostate and the pelvic regions within a week. We used 99mTc-mas3-y-nal-k(Sub-KuE) for the PSMA-SPECT scans. The images were visually evaluated by independent observers. The results were compared with the follow-up bone scintigraphies as well. RESULTS: Twenty-two PSMA-positive lesions were found. Nine of them were localized outside, 13 were within the MRI's field of view. From these 13 lesions, 7 matched with the SPECT/CT results and in 5 cases the MRI images showed no abnormalities. In one case, bone metastasis was suspected on the MRI scan but there was no corresponding pathological tracer uptake on the SPECT images. In two patients, none of the examinations showed signs of prostate malignancy. Four patients had PSMA-positive bone metastases. One of them had a matching PSMA/SPECT and bone scintigraphy result and in one case the PSMA examination showed metastasis in contrast to the negative bone scintigraphy. CONCLUSION: PSMA-SPECT/CT with 99mTc-mas3-y-nal-k(Sub-KuE) is a promising diagnostic tool. This technique is capable of visualizing bone metastases and it can detect local recurrences and visceral metastases as well. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(35): 1433-1440.

[The role of MRI in measuring the effectivity of disease modifying treatments I]. / Az MRI helye a sclerosis multiplex kezelés hatékonyságának megítélésében I.: mérési markerek.

MRI has a significant role in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The newer and newer treatment options of the disease make it necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy. Besides the clinical signs (clinical relapses and progression), the different MRI parameters can also reflect the disease activity. In our current article we summarize those MRI markers, which best predict the long-term disability, based on the international standards.

[The role of MRI in measuring the effectivity of disease modifying treatments II]. / Az MRI helye a sclerosis multiplex kezelés hatékonyságának megítélésében II.: mérési protokollok.

The paraclinical examinations, principally the MRI have an increasing significance in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. However, MRI markers also have a prominent role in monitoring of the disease-course and activity, and also in the planning of possible therapeutic changes. In accordance with previously published international guidelines, in this article we propose a protocol for the monitoring the treatment efficacy in multiple sclerosis. This could be the basis of a consensus based guideline to be implemented in Hungary.

[The role of ultrasonography in the investigation of male infertility]. / Az ultrahangmódszerek szerepe a férfimeddoség kivizsgálásában.

Unintended childlessness affects approximately 9-15% of couples in the reproductive age. It is known that a remarkable proportion of infertility is caused by the disorders of the male reproductive functions. Diagnostic imaging methods and especially ultrasonography play a crucial role in the infertility work-up, the ultrasound examination has become the method of choice for imaging in diseases affecting the testis. With the development of high resolution transducers and technology using colour Doppler, pulsed Doppler, share wave elastography and strain elastography, it is now possible to make accurate diagnoses. However, the place of the new imaging methods in the algorithm of infertility check-up should be clearly defined. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(21): 815-822.

A New Division of Schizophrenia Revealed Expanded Bilateral Brain Structural Abnormalities of the Association Cortices.

The phenomenological and, consequently, pathophysiological heterogeneity of schizophrenia may be substantially decreased by determining etiologically valid subgroups. In a cross-sectional study, we analyzed the brain structural impairments of outpatients with schizophrenia using concurrent subgrouping methods, partly to enhance the extensity of exploration, and partly to estimate the validation of the divisions. High resolution T1-weighted MR images were obtained for 21 patients and 13 healthy controls. Localized gray matter volumetric deficits were defined with optimized voxel-based morphometry. Employing two concurrent methods (i.e., the widely known deficit-non-deficit division vs. the neurocognitive clusters we identified earlier) the patient group was iteratively divided into two subgroups, and their volumetric peculiarities were compared with one another and with healthy controls. Our division revealed more significant differences demonstrating bilateral brain structural deficits, which affected the association cortices, primarily the heteromodal fields and partly the unimodal fields. This is the first study that showed that abnormalities of the association cortices can be bihemispherial and expanded in schizophrenia, even in the cases of outpatients living integrated in society. Our result suggests that the extended association cortex abnormalities could constitute substantial and determining neurological substrates in the phenomenology and aetiopathogenesis of schizophrenia, at least in a subgroup of patients with more unfavorable neurocognitive characteristics.

Radiology education in Europe: Analysis of results from 22 European countries.

AIM: To assess the state of radiology education across Europe by means of a survey study. METHODS: A comprehensive 23-item radiology survey was distributed via email to the International Society of Radiology members, national radiological societies, radiologists and medical physicists. Reminders to complete the survey were sent and the results were analyzed over a period of 4 mo (January-April 2016). Survey questions include length of medical school and residency training; availability of fellowship and subspecialty training; number of residency programs in each country; accreditation pathways; research training; and medical physics education. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and summarize data. RESULTS: Radiology residency training ranges from 2-6 years with a median of 5 years, and follows 1 year of internship training in 55% (12 out of 22) European countries. Subspecialty fellowship training is offered in 55% (12 out of 22) European countries. Availability for specialization training by national societies is limited to eight countries. For nearly all respondents, less than fifty percent of radiologists travel abroad for specialization. Nine of 22 (41%) European countries have research requirements during residency. The types of certifying exam show variation where 64% (14 out of 22) European countries require both written and oral boards, 23% (5 out of 22) require oral examinations only, and 5% (1 out of 22) require written examinations only. A degree in medical physics is offered in 59% (13 out of 22) European countries and is predominantly taught by medical physicists. Nearly all respondents report that formal examinations in medical physics are required. CONCLUSION: Comparative learning experiences across the continent will help guide the development of comprehensive yet pragmatic infrastructures for radiology education and collaborations in radiology education worldwide.

External Factors That Influence the Practice of Radiology: Proceedings of the International Society for Strategic Studies in Radiology Meeting.

In both the United States and Europe, efforts to reduce soaring health care costs have led to intense scrutiny of both standard and innovative uses of imaging. Given that the United States spends a larger share of its gross domestic product on health care than any other nation and also has the most varied health care financing and delivery systems in the world, it has become an especially fertile environment for developing and testing approaches to controlling health care costs and value. This report focuses on recent reforms that have had a dampening effect on imaging use in the United States and provides a glimpse of obstacles that imaging practices may soon face or are already facing in other countries. On the basis of material presented at the 2015 meeting of the International Society for Strategic Studies in Radiology, this report outlines the effects of reforms aimed at (a) controlling imaging use, (b) controlling payer expense through changes in benefit design, and (c) controlling both costs and quality through "value-based" payment schemes. Reasons are considered for radiology practices on both sides of the Atlantic about why the emphasis needs to shift from providing a large volume of imaging services to increasing the value of imaging as manifested in clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and overall system savings. Options for facilitating the shift from volume to value are discussed, from the use of advanced management strategies that improve workflow to the creation of programs for patient engagement, the development of new clinical decision-making support tools, and the validation of clinically relevant imaging biomarkers. Radiologists in collaboration with industry must enhance their efforts to expand the performance of comparative effectiveness research to establish the value of these initiatives, while being mindful of the importance of minimizing conflicts of interest. © RSNA, 2017.

[Modern imaging of liver and pancreatic neoplasms]. / A máj és a hasnyálmirigy daganatainak korszeru radiológiai vizsgálata.

Modern imaging modalities play an outstanding role in the detection, characterization, staging, therapy planning, treatment outcome evaluation and follow-up of patients with liver and pancreatic neoplasms. Diagnostic performance and accuracy of the available modalities are continuously improving therefore, it is necessary to overview from time to time the diagnostic protocols and algorithms.

Prevalence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in type 2 diabetes mellitus with poor glycemic control.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and the level of glycemic control in diabetes (DM). METHODS: Patients with type 2 DM treated in our clinic were prospectively recruited into the study. Pancreatic diabetes was excluded. Cases with HbA1c ≥7% formed Group A (n = 59), and with HbA1c <7% Group B (n = 42). The fecal level of pancreatic elastase (PE-1) was measured and morphological examinations of the pancreas were performed. RESULTS: The PE-1 level was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B (385.9 ± 171.1 µg/g, vs. 454.6 ± 147.3 µg/g, p = 0.038). The PE-1 level was not correlated with HbA1c (r = -0.132, p = 0.187), the duration of DM (r = -0.046, p = 0.65), age (r = 0.010, p = 0.921), BMI (r = 0.203, p = 0.059), or pancreatic steatosis (r = 0.117, p = 0.244). The size of the pancreas did not differ significantly between Groups A and B. CONCLUSIONS: An exocrine pancreatic insufficiency demonstrated by fecal PE-1 determination is more frequent in type 2 DM patients with poor glycemic control. The impaired exocrine pancreatic function cannot be explained by an alteration in the size of the pancreas or by pancreatic steatosis.

The use of covered stents for the endovascular treatment of extracranial internal carotid artery stenosis: a prospective study with a 5-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of the use of covered stents for the treatment of extracranial carotid artery stenosis caused by highly embologenic plaques, and to study the long-term outcome of patients receiving such covered stents. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2007, 46 patients (63% symptomatic, 78.3% male, 67 +/- 8.6 years old) with internal carotid artery stenosis caused by embologenic plaques or restenosis were treated with self-expanding covered stents (Symbiot, Boston Scientific). Pre-dilatation or protecting devices were not used. Post-dilatation was applied in every patient. Each patient was followed long-term. The outcome measures were the occurrence of neurological events, and the development of in-stent restenosis, as detected by clinical examination and duplex ultrasound. RESULTS: The technical success rate of stenting was 100%. There were no neurological complications in the peri-procedural period. The mean follow-up period was 34.3 +/- 27.7 months (the rate of patients lost to follow-up was 15.2%) during which no stroke or stroke-related deaths occurred. Restenosis was detected in 3 patients (6.5%). CONCLUSION: Covered stents provide efficient peri- and post-procedural protection against neurological complications due to embolisation from high-risk plaques during carotid artery stenting. Restenosis of covered stents appears to be infrequent during long-term follow-up.

Comparison of two visual angiographic perfusion grades in acute myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: Prognosis after opening the obstructed coronary artery in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is influenced by several factors. In routine clinical practice, revascularization is considered to be successful when the restoration of epicardial blood-flow is complete. However, the patent epicardial artery does not always provide functional recovery in the myocardium. There are two visual angiographic grades to assess myocardial perfusion: myocardial blush grade (MBG) and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMP). The aim of our study was to compare these two parameters, how they correlate with short-term indicators of myocardial damage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The two visual grades were assessed along with enzymatic infarct size as creatine kinase release (CK), echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and ST-segment resolution (STR) in 62 patients with acute myocardial infarction and successful revascularization. RESULTS: Better correlation was found with TMP in case of all clinical parameters (CK: R= - 0.687, P<0.001; LVEF: R=0.586, P<0.001; STR: R=0.574, P<0.001). MBG also showed significant correlations with clinical measurements, except for enzymatic infarct size (CK: R=- 0.062, P=0.626; LVEF: R=0.389, P=0.002; STR: R=0.348, P=0.006). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the clearance of the dye (described by TMP) is more characteristic to myocardial recovery after AMI, than maximal contrast density (described by MBG) in the clinical practice.