Isoenzymes and isoforms of creatine kinase (CK, EC 2.7.3.2) were measured to assess reperfusion after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In streptokinase-treated and in spontaneously reperfused AMI patients, total CK, CK-2 activity and concentration, and CK-3(3) isoform activity peaked significantly (p less than 0.05) earlier than conventionally treated, non-reperfused patients. The ratio for CK-3(3) to CK-3(1) activities peaked significantly (p less than 0.05) earlier in both the streptokinase-treated and spontaneously reperfused groups, and indicated a greater release of enzyme (higher ratio) than in the conventionally treated patients. The ratio of CK-3(3)/3(1) also peaked significantly (p less than 0.05) earlier in all three groups than did total CK, CK-2, and CK-3(3) activities or concentrations. The clearance rates of total CK, CK-2, and CK-3(3) were not significantly different in all three groups. Thus, the ratio CK-3(3)/3(1) was the earliest indicator of infarction in both reperfused and non-reperfused patients.