Myocardial necrosis

Myocardial necrosis is permanent, irreversible death of myocardial tissue. Myocardial necrosis can occur if there is insufficient blood flow or perfusion to the heart muscle for a long enough time (usually in excess of 30 minutes). It can also occur following radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or due to viral, parasitic or bacterial infections (myocarditis). Myocardial necrosis is diagnosed based upon elevations in enzymes that detect irreversible death of the myocardium, namely CK MB and troponin. The ST segments of the 12 lead EKG may be elevated in the presence of myocardial necrosis, a condition known as ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).