Plasma von Willebrand factor, plasminogen activator inhibitor activity and C-reactive protein were assessed as markers of coronary recanalisation in 30 patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA). Blood samples were taken before t-PA (time 0), 4-hourly for 24 h and daily up to 72 h. A continuous electrocardiogram was recorded in the first 24 h. Coronary arteriography was performed 90 min and 24 h after the start of t-PA. Patients with a patent infarct artery (n = 17), compared to those with occluded artery (n = 13), showed a fall in von Willebrand factor from 0 to 24 h (p = 0.001), a greater fall in plasminogen activator inhibitor from 24 to 48 h (p = 0.04) and a fall in C-reactive protein from 48 to 72 h (p = 0.002). The accuracy of these indices compared favourably with time to peak plasma MB creatine kinase and > or = 50% resolution of maximal ST-deviation on the electrocardiogram. Thus, changes in plasma von Willebrand factor, plasminogen activator inhibitor and C-reactive protein during the first 3 days of myocardial infarction are indicative of thrombolytic efficacy. Their concordant behaviour may reflect a common regulatory mechanism.