Abstract
Background
The effect of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusion (CTO) on left ventricular dyssynchrony was unclear.
Methods
Patients with one CTO vessel were included. Tissue Doppler imaging was used to assess the left ventricular dyssynchrony index (DI) in twelve segments before and after successful CTO PCI. Multiple regression was used to identify independent correlates of DI reduction.
Results
41 patients were included with the mean age of 65.88 years. 39(95.12%) had left ventricular DI more than 33. It decreased significantly from 67.48 ± 28.73 to 44.69 ± 23.90 (P < 0.01) after successful CTO PCI. PCI of infarct-relative CTO was associated with less percentage of DI reduction (Coefficient [Coef.], 25.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.13–43.08; P < 0.01). Higher initial DI was associated with more percentage of DI reduction (Coef., -0.35; 95% CI, -0.67- -0.03; P = 0.03). Percentage of DI reduction was associated with ejection fraction (EF) improvement (Coef., -5.09; 95% CI, -7.45- -2.72; P < 0.01) with linear relationship (P < 0.01).
Conclusion
Left ventricular dyssynchrony was reduced early after successful CTO PCI, which predicted EF improvement. The association between dyssynchrony reduction and long-term benefits of CTO PCI are expected.