Image Description
Irreversible myocyte damage occurs within 20 to 30 minutes of severe ischemia. The affected area undergoes coagulative necrosis following by typical inflammatory response and repair. The changes of coagulative necrosis become evident in the first 6 to 12 hrs. after infarct. Wavy fibers (as shown in this image) are seen at the periphery of the infarct. These are non-contractile necrotic cardiac fibers that are stretched and compressed by the systolic tugs of viable fibers nearby.