CRT Pacing: Midterm Follow-Up in LV Only Pacing without RV Lead in Patients with Normal AV Conduction

Background: The aim of our study was to assess the real life cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) fusion left ventricular (LV) only pacing in patients with normal AV conduction (NAVc) without right ventricular (RV) lead. Methods: Consecutive NAVc patients with CRT indication were implanted with a right atrium RA/LV DDD pacing system. Complete follow-up at 1, 3 and every 6 months thereafter included echocardiography and stress testing. Results: We analysed 55 patients (62 ± 11 years). All patients were responders with significant LV reverse remodelling (LV end-diastolic volume 193.7 ± 81 vs. 243.2 ± 82 mL at baseline, p < 0.002) and increased LV ejection fraction (38 ± 7.9% vs. 27 ± 5.2% at baseline, p < 0.001). Mitral regurgitation decreased in 38 patients (69%). During follow-up (35 ± 18 months), 20 patients (36%) needed reprogramming sensed/paced AV delay or maximum tracking rate (MTR) because of inadequate or lost LV capture at exercise test; personalized programming to achieve up to 100% fusion pacing was used in all patients. One patient developed Mobitz II second degree AV block and triple chamber CRT-P upgrade was performed; defibrillator upgrade was not necessary. Conclusions: LV only pacing CRT-P without RV lead showed a positive outcome in carefully selected patients.

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Cardiac mechanics as predictors of left ventricular reverse remodelling in patients with dilated non-ischemic cardiomyopathy

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.0281 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

M Ferrandez ◽

F Islas ◽

A Travieso ◽

J Diz-Diaz ◽

A Restrepo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Ischemic Cardiomyopathy ◽

Multimodality Imaging ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Cardiac Mechanics ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Cardiac Resynchronization ◽

Imaging Parameters ◽

Reverse Remodelling

Abstract Background and purpose The appearance of left ventricular reverse remodelling (LVRR) is associated with a better prognosis in patients with dilated non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Our aim was to identify cardiac imaging parameters, including speckle tracking by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and feature tracking by CMR, associated with LVRR in a prospective cohort of patients with DCM. Methods From 2014 to 2021, 182 patients with DCM and left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% were prospectively evaluated in our hospital. LVRR was defined as an increase in LVEF ≥10 points or absolute LVEF ≥50%, associated with a reduction in left ventricular end- diastolic diameter ≥10%. Patients underwent multimodality imaging evaluation including CMR with a 1.5 Tesla scanner, and TTE. Cardiac mechanics, including global longitudinal strain (GLS), strain rate (SR) and mechanical dispersion (MD) were measured. Results Median age of our cohort was 62.3 (14.4) years, and 67.7% were male. Most patients (>90%) were treated with beta-blockers or RASS blockers, and 67% with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. 30% had cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and 37% had ICD as primary prevention. Mean LVEF was 31.3%. During a mean follow-up period of 35.9 (35.4) months, 38.3% of patients had LVRR. Age and gender distribution were similar in both groups. Regarding cardiovascular risk factors and pharmacological treatment, no differences were found between patients with and without LVRR. Baseline CRT therapy was not associated with LVRR (22.6% vs 34.7%; p=0.249). However, there was a trend towards higher LVRR in those who received CRT during follow-up 18.8% vs 0%; p=0.069). Patients who experienced LVRR had lower basal LVEF (23.4% vs 29%; p<0.008), as well as poorer RV function, including lower RVEF (40.5% vs 51%; p=0.006) and lower TAPSE (16 mm vs 19 mm; p=0.021). Regarding cardiac mechanics, those patients with lower GLS (−9% vs −12%; p=0.001), and higher MD (73 mm vs 55 mm; p=0,050) had LVRR more frequently during follow-up. The presence of a left bundle branch block (LBBB) contraction pattern by strain was associated with higher rate of LVRR (83.3% vs 30.4%; p=0.011). The burden of fibrosis measured by LGE with CMR was not associated with LVRR (14% vs 12%; p=NS). Patients with LVRR had a lower cardiovascular mortality (3.3 vs 14.3%; p=0.117), lower mortality due to heart failure (0% vs 12.2%; p=0.046), less heart failure hospitalizations (20% vs 46.9%; p=0.016), and a lower incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (3.3% vs 18.4%; p=0.051). Conclusions LVRR in patients with DCM receiving optimized medical therapy is associated with a better prognosis. Imaging parameters, including a lower basal LVEF, RVEF, GLS and higher MD, as well as LBBB echo pattern, were associated with a higher frequency of LVRR, and might help to identify patients who could benefit from CRT/and may be helpful to stratify patients's risk. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

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P5680One-year outcomes of heart failure patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy using adaptivCRT algorithm

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz746.0622 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

S Briongos Figuero ◽

A Estevez ◽

M L Perez ◽

J B Martinez-Ferrer ◽

L Alvarez-Costa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy ◽

Real Life ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Cardiac Resynchronization ◽

Ventricular Pacing ◽

Class Iii ◽

Resynchronization Therapy ◽

Risk Of Death

Abstract Background Adaptive cardiac resynchronization therapy (aCRT) algorithm provides synchronized left ventricular (LV) only pacing and ambulatory optimization of the intrinsic atrioventricular and interventricular conduction intervals. Studies reporting morbidity and mortality outcomes of aCRT carriers in daily clinical practice are lacking. Purpose To determine in a real-life setting, whether 1-year outcomes were different among CRT carriers undergoing aCRT pacing and those under conventional biventricular (biV) pacing. Methods Symptomatic heart failure (HF) patients with sinus rhythm undergoing first CRT-defibrillator implant were selected from the UMBRELLA nationwide registry (2012–2017). The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization at 12-month follow-up. HF admission was defined as hospitalization due to symptoms requiring intravenous diuretic treatment. Primary healthcare records were used to prospectively collect all data. Results Two hundred and six patients were collected (66.1±8.7 years; 73.3% male). Eighty-seven out of 206 patients were implanted with an aCRT capable device, but this algorithm was activated at implant and remained enabled at 1-year in 59 patients (aCRT group). The other 147 patients composed the non-aCRT group. At implant left bundle branch block was present in 93% of patients, 69.6% of population was in functional class III or IV and mean left ventricle ejection fraction was of 26.5±5.6%. Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy was present in 63.1% of patients and optimal medical treatment was achieved in majority of population (92% of patients with beta-blockers; angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitorsor angiotensin II receptor blockersin 89%). The percentage of ventricular pacing through 12 months was 96.1±9.4% in non-aCRT patients and 97.5±2.7% in aCRT patients (p=0.261). In aCRT patients, LV-only pacing accounted for a mean of 53.3±37.6% of all ventricular pacing. After 12-month follow-up period, 25 patients (12.1%) met the primary composite endpoint of death or HF hospitalization. Nine patients died and nineteen patients were admitted due to worsening HF. There was no difference in the risk of all-cause death or HF hospitalization between aCRT and non-aCRT patients (10.2% vs. 12.9% respectively; OR=0.76, CI: 0.29–2.01, p=0.585) Conclusions In this contemporary cohort of HF patients undergoing CRT with high percentages of ventricular pacing, clinical performance of aCRT algorithm was adequate. The risk of death or HF hospitalization was low and no differences were observed at one-year follow-up. Future randomized studies will clarify the role of this algorithm in CRT carriers. Acknowledgement/Funding None

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Predictive value of QRS duration normalized to left ventricular volume for responding to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with mid-QRS duration enrolled in the multicenter registry

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.0401 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

N Yamamoto ◽

M Nakano ◽

H Hayashi ◽

Y Hasebe ◽

N Ueda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcome ◽

Risk Stratification ◽

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy ◽

Predictive Value ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Cardiac Resynchronization ◽

Resynchronization Therapy ◽

End Diastolic Volume ◽

Qrs Duration

Abstract Background For cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and wide (>150msec) QRS duration (QRSd) received class I/A indication. However, its beneficial effect seemed to be limited for those with mid- (120–150msec) QRSd. Recent studies demonstrated that QRSd normalized to left ventricular end-diastolic volume (QRSd/ LVEDV) improved prediction of clinical outcome in patients with CRT. Therefore, we sought to investigate predictive value of QRSd/LVEDV for responding to CRT in patients with mid-QRSd. Methods This was retrospective multi-center observational cohort study. A total 506 consecutive patients who underwent CRT implantation in Tohoku University Hospital and National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center were evaluated. Exclusion criteria were QRSd less than 120ms, upgrade procedures from other implanted non-CRT devices and bradycardia requiring pacing. We evaluated clinical variables, data of electrocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and 6 months after CRT implantation. Primary endpoint was a HF hospitalization after CRT implantation. Distribution of free from HF hospitalization during follow-up was calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves, and the effects of covariate on the time to endpoint were investigated using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results After 199 patients were excluded based on exclusion criterion, remaining 307 patients were included for the analysis. Mean age was 62±14 [SD] years, and 238 (77%) were male. Mean LVEF and LVEDV were 25±9% and 234±82ml, respectively, and 24% of patients had ischemic etiology of HF. During the median 948 days of follow-up, CRT patients with mid QRSd (n=126; 136±10msec), as compared with those with wide QRSd (n=181; 174±17msec), tended to have higher incidence of HF hospitalization (Wilcoxon p=0.03). Multivariate analysis showed that QRSd and QRSd/LVEDV were significant predictors for HF hospitalization in CRT patients with mid QRSd, and cut-off values (137msec of QRSd and 0.65 of QRSd/LVEDV), which was calculated by receiver operative curve analysis, was used for risk stratification. QRSd<137msec was significant negative predictors for HF hospitalization (p=0.005), and Mid-QRSd patients with QRSd≥137msec demonstrated equivalent clinical outcome with those with wide QRSd. Moreover, patients with QRSd/LVEDV≥0.65 tended to have lower incidence of HF hospitalization as compared with those without it among patients with QRSd<137msec (n=64, Figure). Conclusion The present study demonstrates that QRSd normalized to left ventricular end-diastolic volume (QRSd/ LVEDV) could be clinical value in predicting outcome in CRT patients with mid-QRSd. These findings indicate normalized QRSd reflects myocardial conduction properties and contribute to risk stratification. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

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Pacemaker optimization guided by echocardiography in cardiac resynchronization therapy

Srpski arhiv za celokupno lekarstvo ◽

10.2298/sarh0908416t ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 137 (7-8) ◽

pp. 416-422

Author(s):

Danijela Trifunovic ◽

Milan Petrovic ◽

Goran Milasinovic ◽

Bosiljka Vujisic-Tesic ◽

Marija Boricic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Cardiac Resynchronization ◽

Resynchronization Therapy ◽

Delay Optimization ◽

Mitral Flow ◽

Av Delay

Introduction. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) or biventricular pacing is a contemporary treatment in the management of advanced heart failure. Echocardiography plays an evolving and important role in patient selection for CRT, follow-up of acute and chronic CRT effects and optimization of device settings after biventricular pacemaker implantation. In this paper we illustrate usefulness of echocardiography for successful AV and VV timing optimization in patients with CRT. A review of up-to-date literature concerning rationale for AV and VV delay optimization, echocardiographic protocols and current recommendations for AV and VV optimization after CRT are also presented. Outline of Cases. The first case is of successful AV delay optimization guided by echocardiography in a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy treated with CRT is presented. Pulsed blood flow Doppler was used to detect mitral inflow while programming different duration of AV delay. The AV delay with optimal transmittal flow was established. The optimal mitral flow was the one with clearly defined E and A waves and maximal velocity time integral (VTI) of the mitral flow. Improvement in clinical status and reverse left ventricle remodelling with improvement of ejection fraction was registered in our patient after a month. The second case presents a patient with heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy; six months after CRT implantation the patient was still NYHA class III and with a significantly depressed left ventricular ejection fraction. Optimization of VV interval guided by echocardiography was undertaken measuring VTI of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) during programming of different VV intervals. The optimal VV interval was determined using a maximal LVOT VTI. A month after VV optimization our patient showed improvement in LV ejection fraction. Conclusion. Optimal management of patients treated with CRT integrate both clinical and echocardiographic follow-up with, if needed, echocardiographically guided optimization of AV and VV delays, which offers the possibility of additional clinical improvement in such patients.

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Diastolic dyssynchrony in patients with LV only fusion pacing CRT without RV lead

European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1093/ehjci/jeaa356.034 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

A Gurgu ◽

L Petrescu ◽

C Vacarescu ◽

CT Luca ◽

C Mornos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lateral Wall ◽

Positive Outcome ◽

Type I ◽

Exercise Tests ◽

Type Iii ◽

Funding Sources ◽

End Diastolic Volume ◽

Chamber View ◽

Systolic And Diastolic Function

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background CRT improves both systolic and diastolic function, thus increasing cardiac output. However, less data is available concerning diastolic dyssynchrony and fusion pacing CRT. The aim of our study was to assess the outcome of LV diastolic asynchrony in a population of fusion pacing CRT without right ventricular (RV) lead. Methods Prospective data were collected from a cohort of patients (pts) with right atrium/left ventricle leads (RA/LV CRT). Baseline and every 6 months follow-up included standard ETT and classical dyssynchrony parameter measurements. Diastolic dyssynchrony was done by offline speckle-tracking derived TDI timing assesment of the simultaneity of E" and A" basal septal and lateral wall 4 chamber view. New parameters were introduced: E" and respectively A" time (E"T / A"T) as the time difference between E" (respectively A" ) peaks septal and lateral wall. Exercise tests, drugs optimization and device individual programmimg were systematically performed in order to maintain constant fusion and improve CRT response. Patients were divided in three groups: super-responders (SR), responders (R) and non responders (NR). Results Sixty-two pts (35 male) aged 62 ± 11 y.o. with idiopathic DCM implanted with a RA/LV CRT were analyzed: 34%SR / 61%R / 5%NR. Baseline initial characteristics: QRS 164 ± 18 ms; EF 27 ± 5.2; 29% had type III diastolic dysfunction (DD), 63% type II DD, 8% type I DD. Average follow-up was 45 ± 19 months; mean LVEF at the last follow-up was 37 ± 7.9%. The E"T decreased from 90 ± 20 ms to 25 ± 10 ms in SR with significant LV reverse remodelling (LV end-diastolic volume 193.7 ± 81 vs 243.2 ± 82 ml at baseline, p < 0.0028) and lower LV filling pressures (E/E" 13.2 ± 4.6 vs 11.4 ± 4.5, p =0.0295). DD profile improved in 65% of R with a reduction in E/A ratio (1.46 ± 5.3 vs. 0.82 ± 3.9 at baseline, p= 0.4453). Non-sudden cardiac death occurred in 3 NR pts (2%) with type III DD, severe LA volume and larger E" T /A"T (E"T> 85 msec A"T > 30 msec). Significant cut off value calculated by ROC curve for LV diastolic dyssynchrony is E"T > 80 ms and A"T of > 25 msec. Conclusions Fusion pacing CRT without RV lead showed a positive outcome; improving LV diastolic dyssynchrony in responders and super-responders patients is obvious. Larger randomized studies are needed to define the role of diastolic asynchronism as a predictor of favorable response in fusion pacing. Abstract Figure. Typical TDI patterns in LV fusion pacing

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Prognostic value of NT-proBNP for myocardial recovery in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)

Clinical Research in Cardiology ◽

10.1007/s00392-021-01808-z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

J. Hoevelmann ◽

E. Muller ◽

F. Azibani ◽

S. Kraus ◽

J. Cirota ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prognostic Value ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Diagnostic Value ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy ◽

Lv Function ◽

Myocardial Recovery ◽

End Diastolic Volume

Abstract Introduction Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an important cause of pregnancy-associated heart failure worldwide. Although a significant number of women recover their left ventricular (LV) function within 12 months, some remain with persistently reduced systolic function. Methods Knowledge gaps exist on predictors of myocardial recovery in PPCM. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is the only clinically established biomarker with diagnostic value in PPCM. We aimed to establish whether NT-proBNP could serve as a predictor of LV recovery in PPCM, as measured by LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDD) and LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Results This study of 35 women with PPCM (mean age 30.0 ± 5.9 years) had a median NT-proBNP of 834.7 pg/ml (IQR 571.2–1840.5) at baseline. Within the first year of follow-up, 51.4% of the cohort recovered their LV dimensions (LVEDD < 55 mm) and systolic function (LVEF > 50%). Women without LV recovery presented with higher NT-proBNP at baseline. Multivariable regression analyses demonstrated that NT-proBNP of ≥ 900 pg/ml at the time of diagnosis was predictive of failure to recover LVEDD (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.05–0.95, P = 0.043) or LVEF (OR 0.20 [95% CI 0.04–0.89], p = 0.035) at follow-up. Conclusions We have demonstrated that NT-proBNP has a prognostic value in predicting LV recovery of patients with PPCM. Patients with NT-proBNP of ≥ 900 pg/ml were less likely to show any improvement in LVEF or LVEDD. Our findings have implications for clinical practice as patients with higher NT-proBNP might require more aggressive therapy and more intensive follow-up. Point-of-care NT-proBNP for diagnosis and risk stratification warrants further investigation.

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Biventricular pacing-induced acute response in baroreflex sensitivity has predictive value for midterm response to cardiac resynchronization therapy

AJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpheart.00113.2009 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 297 (1) ◽

pp. H233-H237 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Maaike G. J. Gademan ◽

Rutger J. van Bommel ◽

C. Jan Willem Borleffs ◽

SumChe Man ◽

Joris C. W. Haest ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy ◽

Predictive Value ◽

Baroreflex Sensitivity ◽

Biventricular Pacing ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Cardiac Resynchronization ◽

Arterial Baroreflex ◽

Resynchronization Therapy ◽

Acute Response

In a previous study we demonstrated that the institution of biventricular pacing in chronic heart failure (CHF) acutely facilitates the arterial baroreflex. The arterial baroreflex has important prognostic value in CHF. We hypothesized that the acute response in baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) after the institution of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has predictive value for midterm response. One day after implantation of a CRT device in 33 CHF patients (27 male/6 female; age, 66.5 ± 9.5 yr; left ventricular ejection fraction, 28 ± 7%) we measured noninvasive BRS and heart rate variability (HRV) in two conditions: CRT device switched on and switched off (on/off order randomized). Echocardiography was performed before implantation (baseline) and 6 mo after implantation (follow-up). CRT responders were defined as patients in whom left ventricular end-systolic volume at follow-up had decreased by ≥15%. Responders (69.7%) and nonresponders (30.3%) had similar baseline characteristics. In responders, CRT increased BRS by 30% ( P = 0.03); this differed significantly ( P = 0.02) from the average BRS change (−2%) in the nonresponders. CRT also increased HRV by 30% in responders ( P = 0.02), but there was no significant difference found compared with the increase in HRV (8%) in the nonresponders. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the percent BRS increase had predictive value for the discrimination of responders and nonresponders (area under the curve, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.51–0.87; maximal accuracy, 0.70). Our study demonstrates that a CRT-induced acute BRS increase has predictive value for the echocardiographic response to CRT. This finding suggests that the autonomic nervous system is actively involved in CRT-related reverse remodeling.

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Abstract 1604: Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Differs Between Patients With and Without Previous Right Ventricular Pacing

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.116.suppl_16.ii_335-b ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽

Author(s):

Andrea M Thelen ◽

Christopher L Kaufman ◽

Kevin V Burns ◽

Daniel R Kaiser ◽

Aaron S Kelly ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Radial Strain ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Doppler Imaging ◽

Cardiac Resynchronization ◽

Resynchronization Therapy ◽

Peak Displacement

Background: Previous large studies on the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with heart failure have generally excluded patients previously paced from the right ventricle (RV). Previously RV paced patients (RVp) can exhibit an iatrogenic cause of dyssynchrony and reduced systolic function and thus, may respond differently to CRT than patients not previously RV paced (nRVp). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that RVp patients have greater improvements in left ventricular systolic function, volumes, and dyssynchrony in response to CRT than nRVp. Methods: Standard echocardiograms with tissue Doppler imaging were performed before and after chronic CRT in RVp (n = 21, 16 male) and nRVp (n = 70, 54 male) heart failure patients. Ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular end diastolic (LVEDV) and systolic (LVESV) volumes were calculated using the biplane Simpson’s method. Longitudinal dyssynchrony was calculated as the standard deviation of time to peak displacement (TT-12) of 12 segments in the apical views. Using mid-ventricular short axis views and speckle-tracking methods, radial dyssynchrony (Rad dys ) was calculated as the maximal time difference between six myocardial segments for peak radial strain. Echo response was defined as ≥ 15% reduction in LVESV. Results are reported as mean ± SD. Results: Significant baseline differences (p < 0.05) were observed between groups (RVp vs. nRVp) for age (74 ± 13 vs. 67 ± 13 year), follow-up time (6.1 ± 1.8 vs. 4.6 ± 2.1 months), LVEDV (154.3±50.8 vs.185.3±56.9 mL), and a trend for LVESV (112.4 ± 40.6 vs. 134.9 ± 47 mL, p = 0 .05). No differences were observed for EF, etiology of heart failure, and dyssynchrony measures between groups at baseline. Echo response rate was significantly ( p < 0.05) greater in RVp (76%) than nRVp (57%). After adjusting for baseline differences, RVp had greater improvement in EF (14 ± 9 vs. 8 ± 7%, p < 0.05) and LVESV (−33 ± 18 vs. −20 ± 21%, p < 0.05). After adjustment for follow-up time, no difference was observed for change in dyssynchrony between groups. Conclusion: RVp patients upgraded to CRT exhibit greater improvements in systolic function and ventricular remodeling as compared to nRVp patients.

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Cardiac resynchronization therapy: optimization and follow-up

The ESC Textbook of Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1093/med/9780198703341.003.0031 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. 420-431

Author(s):

Marta Sitges ◽

Genevieve Derumeaux

Keyword(s):

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy ◽

Imaging Techniques ◽

Biventricular Pacing ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Cardiac Resynchronization ◽

Functional Mitral Regurgitation ◽

Cardiac Imaging Techniques ◽

Resynchronization Therapy

Cardiac imaging techniques have an important role in the follow-up of patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) as they provide objective evidence of changes in cardiac dimensions and function. The role of echocardiography is well established in the assessment of left ventricular reverse remodelling and the evaluation of secondary (functional) mitral regurgitation. Additionally, echocardiography might be used for optimizing the programming of atrio-ventricular (AV) and inter-ventricular (VV) delays of current CRT devices. Acute benefits from this optimization have been demonstrated, but longer follow-up studies have failed to show a clear benefit of optimized CRT on top of simultaneous biventricular pacing on the outcome of patients with CRT. This chapter reviews the role of imaging in assessing follow-up and outcome of patients undergoing CRT, as well as the rationale, the methods used, and the clinical impact of optimization of the programming of CRT devices.

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Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Recovery in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction Treated with Sacubitril/Valsartan

Cardiology ◽

10.1159/000505148 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 145 (5) ◽

pp. 275-282 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Pablo Díez-Villanueva ◽

Lourdes Vicent ◽

Francisco de la Cuerda ◽

Alberto Esteban-Fernández ◽

Manuel Gómez-Bueno ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Functional Class ◽

Ventricular Ejection ◽

Cardiac Resynchronization ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Background: A significant number of heart failure (HF) patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) experience ventricular function recovery during follow-up. We studied the variables associated with LVEF recovery in patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan (SV) in clinical practice. Methods: We analyzed data from a prospective and multicenter registry including 249 HF outpatients with reduced LVEF who started SV between October 2016 and March 2017. The patients were classified into 2 groups according to LVEF at the end of follow-up (>35%: group R, or ≤35%: group NR). Results: After a mean follow-up of 7 ± 0.1 months, 62 patients (24.8%) had LVEF >35%. They were older (71.3 ± 10.8 vs. 67.5 ± 12.1 years, p = 0.025), and suffered more often from hypertension (83.9 vs. 73.8%, p = 0.096) and higher blood pressure before and after SV (both, p < 0.01). They took more often high doses of beta-blockers (30.6 vs. 27.8%, p = 0.002), with a smaller proportion undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (14.8 vs. 29.0%, p = 0.028) and fewer implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICD; 32.8 vs. 67.9%, p < 0.001), this being the only predictive variable of NR in the multivariate analysis (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.13–0.47, p < 0.0001). At the end of follow-up, the mean LVEF in group R was 41.9 ± 8.1% (vs. 26.3 ± 4.7% in group NR, p < 0.001), with an improvement compared with the initial LVEF of 14.6 ± 10.8% (vs. 0.8 ± 4.5% in group NR, p < 0.0001). Functional class improved in both groups, mainly in group R (p = 0.035), with fewer visits to the emergency department (11.5 vs. 21.6%, p = 0.07). Conclusions: In patients with LVEF ≤35% treated with SV, not carrying an ICD was independently associated with LVEF recovery, which was related to greater improvement in functional class.

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