Background Based on previous studies, a fragmented QRS （fQRS） complex, as a predictive biomarker of myocardial scarring condition, could be used to predict the outcomes of cardiac resynchronized therapy （CRT）. How...Background Based on previous studies, a fragmented QRS （fQRS） complex, as a predictive biomarker of myocardial scarring condition, could be used to predict the outcomes of cardiac resynchronized therapy （CRT）. However, this conclusion is still debatable. Methods Fifty ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy patients failure （aged 65 ± 10 yrs, 34 males, 16 females） with refractory heart, diagnosed by the criteria of New York Heart Association received CRT. The ECGs of 18 patients with a fQRS complex （divided by Das） were compared with those of 32 patients without a fQRS complex, who were evaluated by 12-lead ECG before CRT. The patients were followed up for six months, and 12-lead ECG and echocardiography were reviewed. At least 15% reduction in the left ventricular end-systolic volume （LVESV） was defined as responders according to the data obtained for between-group and intra-group analysis. Results Six patients （33.3%） in the fQRS group and 24 patients （75%） in the non-fQRS group responded well. In addition, comparisons of indicators from surface ECG and echocardiography 6 months after CRT showed that the non-fQRS group benefited from CRT significantly more than the fQRS group. Conclusions The fQRS complex has good predictive value for responsiveness to CRT. Non-fQRS complex patients with refractory heart failure may benefit more from CRT, and these patients need to receive this treatment as early as possible.展开更多
BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)has been a major therapeutic advancement for patients with heart failure and electrical dyssynchrony.While CRT improves symptoms,reduces hospitalizations,and enhances s...BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)has been a major therapeutic advancement for patients with heart failure and electrical dyssynchrony.While CRT improves symptoms,reduces hospitalizations,and enhances survival,the role of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators(ICDs)alongside CRT in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy(NICM)remains controversial.To evaluate and compare the outcomes of CRT with ICD(CRT-D)versus CRT with pacemaker-only(CRT-P)in individuals diagnosed with NICM,with a specific focus on the elderly.METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed,Embase,and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted in January 2024.Studies comparing CRT-D and CRT-P in patients with NICM were included,with subgroup analyses focusing on patients aged 75 years and older.RESULTS Twelve studies,including two randomized clinical trials,with a total of 62,145 patients and 16,754 pooled death events(9,171 in CRT-D and 7,583 in CRT-P),were analyzed.CRT-D was associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to CRT-P(pooled OR=0.72;95%CI:0.61-0.85;P<0.01),with significant heterogeneity(I2=83%).RCT subgroup analysis,was not statistically significant(pooled OR=0.82;95%CI:0.64-1.06;P=0.41;I2=0%).In patients older than 75 years,no significant difference in mortality risk was observed(pooled OR 0.96;95%CI:0.81-1.15;I2=39%).CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis suggests that the addition of ICD therapy to CRT in patients with NICM significantly reduces all-cause mortality.However,this benefit does not extend to cardiovascular mortality,likely due to the primary role of ICDs in preventing sudden cardiac death rather than other causes such as progressive heart failure.The survival advantage of CRT-D is most pronounced in younger patients,with those over 75 years of age deriving less benefit.This highlights the importance of careful patient selection,considering age and comorbidities,when deciding on ICD implantation in NICM patients.展开更多
Background The data on the prognostic values of high sensitivity C-reactive protein （hsCRP） levels in patients with advanced symp-tomatic heart failure （HF） receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy （CRT） are ...Background The data on the prognostic values of high sensitivity C-reactive protein （hsCRP） levels in patients with advanced symp-tomatic heart failure （HF） receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy （CRT） are scarce. The aim of present study was to investigate the association of serum hsCRP levels with left ventricle reverse remodeling after six months of CRT as well as long-term outcome. Methods A total of 232 CRT patients were included. The assessment of hsCRP values, clinical status and echocardiographic data were performed at baseline and after six months of CRT. Long-term follow-up included all-cause mortality and hospitalizations for HF. Results During the mean follow-up periods of 31.3 ± 31.5 months, elevated hsCRP （〉3 mg/L） prior to CRT was associated with a significant 2.39-fold increase （P=0.006） in the risk of death or HF hospitalizations. At 6-month follow-up, patients who responded to CRT showed significant reductions or maintained low in hsCRP levels （–0.5 ± 4.1 mg/L reduction） compared with non-responders （1.7 ± 6.1 mg/L increase, P=0.018）. Com-pared with patients in whom 6-month hsCRP levels were reduced or remained low, patients in whom 6-month hsCRP levels were increased or maintained high experienced a significantly higher risk of subsequent death or HF hospitalizations （Log-rank P〈0.001）. The echocardio-graphic improvement was also better among patients in whom 6-month hsCRP levels were reduced or remained low compared to those in whom 6-month hsCRP levels were raised or maintained high. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that measurement of baseline and follow-up hsCRP levels may be useful as prognostic markers for timely potential risk stratification and subsequent appropriate treatment strategies in patients with advanced HF undergoing CRT.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the permanent high interventricular septal pacing in a long term follow up, as alternative to right ventricular apical pacing. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated:(1) 244 ...AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the permanent high interventricular septal pacing in a long term follow up, as alternative to right ventricular apical pacing. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated:(1) 244 patients(74 ± 8 years; 169 men, 75 women) implanted with a single(132 pts) or dual chamber(112 pts) pacemaker(PM) with ventricular screw-in lead placed at the right ventricular high septal parahisian site(SEPTAL pacing);(2) 22 patients with permanent pacemaker and low percentage of pacing(< 20%)(NO pacing);(3) 33 patients with high percentage(> 80%) right ventricular apical pacing(RVA). All patients had a narrow spontaneous QRS(101 ± 14 ms). We evaluated New York Heart Association(NYHA) class, quality of life(Qo L), 6 min walking test(6MWT) and left ventricular function(end-diastolic volume, LV-EDV; end-systolic volume, LVESV; ejection fraction, LV-EF) with 2D-echocardiography. RESULTS: Pacing parameters were stable duringfollow up(21 mo/patient). In SEPTAL pacing group we observed an improvement in NYHA class, Qo L score and 6MWT. While LV-EDV didn't significantly increase(104 ± 40 m L vs 100 ± 37 m L; P = 0.35), LV-ESV slightly increased(55 ± 31 m L vs 49 ± 27 m L; P = 0.05) and LV-EF slightly decreased(49% ± 11% vs 53% ± 11%; P = 0.001) but never falling < 45%. In the RVA pacing control group we observed a worsening of NYHA class and an important reduction of LV-EF(from 56% ± 6% to 43% ± 9%, P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: Right ventricular permanent high septal pacing is safe and effective in a long term follow up evaluation; it could be a good alternative to the conventional RVA pacing in order to avoid its deleterious effects.展开更多
Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)is a highly effective treatment in patients with a class I recommendation.However,a small proportion of the strictly selected patients still fail to respond.This study ...Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)is a highly effective treatment in patients with a class I recommendation.However,a small proportion of the strictly selected patients still fail to respond.This study was designed to identify predictors of non-response in patients with class I indications for CRT and determine the non-response probability of the patients.Methods A total of 296 consecutive patients with a class I recommendation received CRT from January 2009 to January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for non-response(defined as cardiac death,heart transplantation,or HF hospitalization during 1-year follow-up).Results Among 296 patients,30(10.1%)met non-response.Multivariate analysis demonstrated that non-response to CRT was associated with a fragmented QRS(odd ratio(OR)=2.86,95%CI:1.14–7.12;P=0.025)and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension(LVEDD)≥77 mm(OR=3.02,95%CI:1.17–7.82;P=0.022).Patients with both of the predictors had a non-response probability of 46.2%(95%CI:19.1%–73.3%).Conclusion In patients with left bundle branch block and wider QRS duration,the proportion of non-response to CRT is not low in real world.The presence of the dilated LVEDD or fragmented QRS is a strong predictor of non-response to CRT.The probability of non-response in the patients with the two predictors was 46.2%.展开更多
Background Super-responders （SRs） are defined as patients who show crucial cardiac function improvement after cardiac resynchro- nization therapy （CRT）. The purpose of this study is to identify and validate predic...Background Super-responders （SRs） are defined as patients who show crucial cardiac function improvement after cardiac resynchro- nization therapy （CRT）. The purpose of this study is to identify and validate predictors of SRs after CRT. Methods This study enrolled 201 patients who underwent CRT during the period from 2010 to 2014. Clinical and echocardiographic evaluations were conducted before CRT and 6 months after. Patients with a decrease in New York Heart Association （NYHA） fimctional class 〉 1, a decrease in left ventricular end-systolic volume （LVESV） ≥ 15%, and a final left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） ≥ 45% were classified as SRs. Results 29% of the 201 patients who underwent CRT were identified as SRs. At baseline, SRs had significantly smaller left atrial diameter （LAD）, LVESV, left ventricular end-diastolic volume （LVEDV） and higher LVEF than the non-super-responders （non-SRs）. The percentage of patients using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers （ACEI/ARB） was higher in SRs than non-SRs. Most SRs had Biventricular （BiV） pacing percentage greater than 98% six months after CRT. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the independ- ent predictors of SRs were lower LVEDV [odd ratios （OR）： 0.93; confidence intervals （CI）： 0.90-0.97], use of ACEI/ARB （OR： 0.33; CI： 0.13~3.82） and BiV pacing percentage greater than 98% （OR： 0.29; CI： 0.16~.87）. Conclusion Patients with a better compliance of ACEI/ARB and a less ectatic ventricular geometry before CRT tends to have a greater probability of becoming SRs. Higher percentage of BiV pacing is essential for becoming SRs.展开更多
Objective To evaluate left univentricular （LUV） pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy （CRT） using a rate-adaptive atrioven- tricular delay （RAAVD） algorithm to track physiological atrioventricular delay ...Objective To evaluate left univentricular （LUV） pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy （CRT） using a rate-adaptive atrioven- tricular delay （RAAVD） algorithm to track physiological atrioventricular delay （AVD）. Methods A total of 72 patients with congestive heart failure （CHF） were randomized to RAAVD LUV pacing versus standard biventricular （BiV） pacing in a 1 ： 1 ratio. Echocardiography was used to optimize AVD for both groups. The effects of sequential BiV pacing and LUV pacing with optimized A-V （right atrio-LV） delay using an RAAVD algorithm were compared. The standard deviation （SD） of the S/R ratio in lead VI at five heart rate （HR） segments （Rs/R-SD5）, defined as the ＂tracking index,＂ was used to evaluate the accuracy of the RAAVD algorithm for tracking physiological AVD. Results TheQRS complex duration （132 ± 9.8 vs. 138± 10ms, P 〈 0.05）, the time required for optimization （21 ±5 vs. 50±8min, P〈 0.001）, the mitral regurgitant area （1.9 ± 1.1 vs. 2.5 ± 1.3 em2, P 〈 0.05）, the interventricular mechanical delay time （60.7 ± 13.3 ms vs. 68.3 ± 14.2 ms, P 〈 0.05）, and the average annual cost （13,200 ± 1000 vs. 21,600 ± 2000 RMB, P 〈 0.001） in the RAAVD LUV pacing group were significantly less than those in the standard BiV pacing group. The aortic valve velocity-time integral in the RAAVD LUV pacing group was greater than that in the standard BiV pacing group （22.7 ± 2.2 vs. 21.4 ± 2.1 cm, P 〈 0.05）. The Rs/R-SD5 was 4.08 ± 1.91 in the RAAVD LUV pacing group, and was significantly negatively correlated with improved left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） （ALVEF, Pearson＇s r = -0.427, P = 0.009）, and positively correlated with New York Heart Association class （Spearman＇s r - 0.348, P 0.037）. Conclusions RAAVD LUV pacing is as effective as standard BiV pacing, can be more physiological than standard BiV pacing, and can de- crease the average annual cost of CRT.展开更多
Background Several liver function tests have been identified as predictors of hospitalization for heart failure(HF) and death in patients with chronic HF. The relationship between serum γ-glutamyltranferase(GGT) and ...Background Several liver function tests have been identified as predictors of hospitalization for heart failure(HF) and death in patients with chronic HF. The relationship between serum γ-glutamyltranferase(GGT) and albumin(SA) levels with the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT) has not been reliably determined. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of liver function tests on the results of CRT in the elderly. Methods Baseline GGT and SA were assessed before CRT device implantation in the elderly(> 70-year-old) patients. The endpoints were:(1) CRT response defined as > 5% left ventricular ejection fraction improvement and no hospitalization for HF or cardiovascular death;(2) hospitalizations;and(3) mortality. Results Eighty of 138(58%) included patients were responders at nine months. Compared to responders, the SA levels were not significantly different(35.1 ± 5.4 vs. 33.6 ± 5.5 g/L, P = 0.103);but the GGT levels, higher(81.6 ± 69.3 vs. 54.7 ± 49.6 U/L, P = 0.013) in non-responders to CRT. GGT level was independently associated with non-response to CRT(P < 0.001, OR = 0.17;95% CI: 0.08–0.38, P < 0.001). GGT cut-off value ≥ 55 U/L was highly predictive of non-response [AUC = 0.65, 64% Sensitivity, 69% Specificity(95% CI: 0.56–0.74)]. GGT ≥ 55 U/L was also associated with higher risk of hospitalization for atrial fibrillation(AF)(95% vs. 83%, P = 0.024). Both SA and GGT had no impact on overall(P = 0.220, P = 0.723) mortality. Conclusions Higher level of GGT is an independent predictor of non-response to CRT in patients over age 70 years and is associated with higher risk of hospitalization for AF. Baseline serum levels of albumin and GGT and have no impact on mortality in elderly patients undergoing CRT.展开更多
Symptomatic bradycardia is effectively treated with the implantation of a cardiac pacemaker. Although a highly successful therapy, during recent years there has been a focus on the negative effects associated with lon...Symptomatic bradycardia is effectively treated with the implantation of a cardiac pacemaker. Although a highly successful therapy, during recent years there has been a focus on the negative effects associated with longterm pacing of the apex of the right ventricle(RV). It has been shown in both experimental and clinical studies that RV pacing leads to ventricular dyssynchrony, similar to that of left bundle branch block, with subsequent detrimental effects on cardiac structure and function, and in some cases adverse clinical outcomes such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure and death. There is substantial evidence that patients with reduced left ventricular function(LVEF) are at particular high risk of suffering the detrimental clinical effects of long-term RV pacing. The evidence is, however, incomplete, coming largely from subanalyses of pacemaker and implantable cardiac defibrillator studies. In this group of patients with reduced LVEF and an expected high amount of RV pacing, biventricular pacing(cardiac resynchronization therapy) devices can prevent the negative effects of RV pacing and reduce ventricular dyssynchrony. Therefore, cardiac resynchronization therapy has emerged as an attractive option with promising results and more clinical studies are underway. Furthermore, specific pacemaker algorithms, which minimize RV pacing, can also reduce the negative effects of RV stimulation on cardiac function and may prevent clinical deterioration.展开更多
A 54-year-old female patient with congenital heart disease had a persistent complete left bundle branch block three months after closure by an Amplatzer ventricular septal defect occluder. Nine months later, the patie...A 54-year-old female patient with congenital heart disease had a persistent complete left bundle branch block three months after closure by an Amplatzer ventricular septal defect occluder. Nine months later, the patient suffered from chest distress, palpitation, and sweating at daily activities, and her 6-min walk distance decreased significantly （155 m）. Her echocardiography showed increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter with left ventricular ejection fraction of 37%. Her symptoms reduced significantly one week after received cardiac resynchronization therapy. She had no symptoms at daily activities, and her echo showed left ventricular ejection fraction of 46%and 53%. Moreover, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased 6 and 10 months after cardiac resynchronization therapy, and 6-min walk dis-tance remarkably increased. This case demonstrated that persistent complete left bundle branch block for nine months after transcatheter closure with ventricular septal defect Amplatzer occluder could lead to left ventricular enlargement and a significant decrease in left ventricular systolic function. Cardiac resynchronization therapy decreased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and increased left ventricular ejection fraction, thereby improving the patient’s heart functions.展开更多
Background Whether cardiac resynchronization therapy super-responders (CRT-SRs) still have indications for neuro-hormonal antagonists or not remains uninvestigated.Methods We reviewed clinical data from 376 patients w...Background Whether cardiac resynchronization therapy super-responders (CRT-SRs) still have indications for neuro-hormonal antagonists or not remains uninvestigated.Methods We reviewed clinical data from 376 patients who underwent CRT implantation in Fuwai Hospital from 2009 to 2015 and followed up to 2017.CRT-SRs were defined by an improvement of the New York Heart Association functional class and left ventricular ejection fraction to ≥ 50% in absolute values at 6-month follow-up.All CRT-SRs were assigned into two groups on the basis of whether persistently receiving neuro-hormonal antagonists (NHA)(defined as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/ angiotensin receptor blockers and β-blockers) after 6-month follow-up and then we compared long-term outcome.Results A total of 60 patients met criteria for super-response.One of thirteen (7.7%) CRT-SRs without NHA had all-cause death,which also occurred in 2 of 47 (4.3%) in CRT-SRs with NHA (P = 0.526).However,3 of 13 (23.1%) CRT-SRs without NHA had heart failure (HF) hospitalization,1 of 47 (2.1%) CRT-SRs with NHA had this endpoint (P = 0.040).Besides,subgroup analysis indicated that,for ischemic etiology group,CRT-SRs receiving NHA had considerably lower incidence of HF hospitalization than those without NHA (0 vs.75%,P = 0.014),which was not observed in non-ischemic etiology group (2.6% vs.0,P = 1.000) during long-term follow-up.Conclusions Our study found that for ischemic etiology,compared with CRT-SRs with NHA,CRT-SRs without NHA were associated with a higher risk of HF hospitalization.However,for non-ischemic etiology,we found that CRT-SRs with NHA or without NHA at follow-up were associated with similar outcomes,which needed further investigation by prospective trials.展开更多
Background:Left bundle branch block(LBBB)-induced cardiomyopathy has been proposed,but the association between LBBB and cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)response remains unclear and practical criteria for selecti...Background:Left bundle branch block(LBBB)-induced cardiomyopathy has been proposed,but the association between LBBB and cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)response remains unclear and practical criteria for selecting CRT candidates are needed.Methods:One hundred and seventeen consecutive heart failure patients were reviewed,24 of whom received CRT.Only two patients had a clear temporal relation between cardiomyopathy and LBBB.Results:Compared with the patient with“cardiomyopathy-induced LBBB,”the patient with“LBBB-induced cardiomyopathy”had higher left ventricular(LV)wall thickness,higher LV wall thickening rate,higher peak circumferential strain,and longer peak circumferential strain delay.The LV deformation patterns in the two patients were obviously distinct on cardiovascular magnetic resonance tissue tracking.During follow-up,the patient with LBBB-induced cardiomyopathy had a good response to CRT(LV ejection fraction 23 before CRT vs.30%at 6 months vs.29 at 12 months vs.32%at 18 months;LV end-diastolic diameter 77 mm before CRT vs.66 mm at 6 months vs.62 mm at 12 months vs.63 mm at 18 months),and the other patient had no response to CRT(LV ejection fraction 29 before CRT vs.29%at 6 months vs.26 at 12 months vs.22%at 24 months;LV end-diastolic diameter 85 mm before CRT vs.88 mm at 6 months vs.85 mm at 12 months vs.84 mm at 24 months).Conclusion:The temporal relation between cardiomyopathy and LBBB could be a determinant for CRT response.Cardiovascular magnetic resonance tissue tracking may be a useful tool to identify the chronological order and a principal consideration for selecting candidates for CRT.Larger prospective clinical trials are needed to study the prevalence of,time course of,and risk factors for LBBB-induced cardiomyopathy.展开更多
Background Transvenous lead placement is the standard approach for left ventricular （LV） pacing in cardiac resynchronization ther- apy （CRT）, while the open chest access epicardial lead placement is currently the ...Background Transvenous lead placement is the standard approach for left ventricular （LV） pacing in cardiac resynchronization ther- apy （CRT）, while the open chest access epicardial lead placement is currently the most frequently used second choice. Our study aimed to compare the ventricular electromechanical synchronicity in patients with heart failure after CRT with these two different LV pacing tech- niques. Methods We enrolled 33 consecutive patients with refractory heart failure secondly to dilated cardiomyopathy who were eligible for CRT in this study. Nineteen patients received transvenous （TV group） while 14 received open chest （OP group） LV lead pacing. Intraand inter-ventricular electromechanical synchronicity was assessed by tissue Doppler imaging （TDI） before and one year after CRT procedure. Results Before CRT procedure, the mean QRS-duration, maximum time difference to systolic peak velocity among 12 left ventricle segments （LV Ts-12）, standard deviation of time difference to systolic peak velocity of 12 left ventricle segments （LV Ts-SD）, and inter-ventficular mechanical delay （IVMD） in OP and TV group were 166 ± 17 ms and 170 ± 21 ms, 391 ±42 ms and 397 ± 36 ms, 144 ± 30 ms and 148 ± 22 ms, 58 ± 25 ms and 60 ± 36 ms, respectively （all P 〉 0.05）. At one year after the CRT, the mean QRS-duration, LV Ts-12, LV Ts-SD, and IVMD in TV and OP group were 128 ± 14 ms and 141 ± 22 ms （P = 0.031）, 136 ± 37 ms and 294 ± 119 ms （P = 0.023）, 50± 22 ms and 96 ± 34 ms （P = 0.015）, 27 ± 11 ms and 27 ± 26 ms （P = 0.86）, respectively. The LV lead implantation procedure time was 53.4±16.3 rain for OP group and 136 ± 35.1 min for TV group （P = 0.016）. The mean LV pacing threshold increased significantly from 1.7 ± 0.6 V/0.5 ms to 2.3 ± 1.6 V/0.5 ms （P 〈 0.05） in TV group while it remained stable in the OP group. Conclusions Compared to conventional endovascular approach, open chest access of LV pacing for CRT leads to better improvement of the intraventricular synchronization.展开更多
Cardiac resynchronization therapy （CRT） is associated with a favorable outcome only in patients with left bundle branch block （LBBB） pattern and in patients with a QRS duration 〉 150 ms, in patients with non-LBBB...Cardiac resynchronization therapy （CRT） is associated with a favorable outcome only in patients with left bundle branch block （LBBB） pattern and in patients with a QRS duration 〉 150 ms, in patients with non-LBBB pattern with a QRS duration of 120-150 ms usually is not beneficial. After adjusting for QRS duration, QRS morphology was no longer a determinant of the clinical response to CRT. In contrast to the mainstream view, we hypothesized that the unfavorable CRT outcome in patients with non-LBBB and a QRS duration of 120-150 ms is not due to the QRS morphology itself, but to less dyssynchrony and unfavorable patient characteristics in this subgroup, such as more ischemic etiology and greater prevalence of male patients compared with patients with LBBB pattern. Further, the current CRT technique is devised to eliminate the dyssynchrony present in patients with LBBB pattern and inappropriate to eliminate the dyssynchrony in patients with non-LBBB pattern. We also hypothesized that electrocardiography may also provide information about the presence of interventricular and left intraventricular dyssynchrony and the approximate location of the latest activated left ventricular （LV） region. To this end, we devised new ECG criteria to estimate interventricular and LV intraventricular dyssynchrony and the approximate location of the latest activated LV region. Our preliminary data demonstrated that the latest activated LV region in patients with nonspecific intraventricular conduction disturbance （NICD） pattern might be at a remote site from that present in patients with LBBB pattern, which might necessitate the invention of a novel CRT technique for patients with NICD pattern. The application of the new interventricular and LV intraventricular dyssynchrony ECG criteria and a potential novel CRT technique might decrease the currently high nonresponder rate in patients with NICD pattern.展开更多
Cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR) is a non-invasive,nonionizing,diagnostic technique that uses magnetic fields,radio waves and field gradients to generate images with high spatial and temporal resolution.After administr...Cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR) is a non-invasive,nonionizing,diagnostic technique that uses magnetic fields,radio waves and field gradients to generate images with high spatial and temporal resolution.After administration of contrast media(e.g.,gadolinium chelate),it is also possible to acquire late images,which make possible the identification and quantification of myocardial areas with scar/fibrosis(late gadolinium enhancement,LGE).CMR is currently a useful instrument in clinical cardiovascular practice for the assessment of several pathological conditions,including ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies and congenital heart disease.In recent years,its field of application has also extended to arrhythmology,both in diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of arrhythmic risk and in therapeutic decisionmaking.In this review,we discuss the possible useful applications of CMR for the arrhythmologist.It is possible to identify three main fields of application of CMR in this context:(1) arrhythmic and sudden cardiac death risk stratification in different heart diseases;(2) decisionmaking in cardiac resynchronization therapy device implantation,presence and extent of myocardial fibrosis for left ventricular lead placement and cardiac venous anatomy; and(3) substrate identification for guiding ablation of complex arrhythmias(atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardias).展开更多
BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)is a well-established therapy for patients with cardiomyopathy.CASE SUMMARY The patient underwent left bundle branch area and left ventricular(reaching the left ventric...BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)is a well-established therapy for patients with cardiomyopathy.CASE SUMMARY The patient underwent left bundle branch area and left ventricular(reaching the left ventricular lateral vein through the coronary sinus)pacing.The optimal CRT was performed under the right bundle branch of the patient by adjusting the optimal a-v and v-v interphases to achieve the maximal benefit of the treatment.CONCLUSION The patient was diagnosed with left bundle branch block and heart failure.A left bundle branch area pacemaker assisted in correcting the complete left bundle branch block.However,the shorter QRS wave shape after pacemaker implantation through the left bundle branch area indicated a complete right bundle branch block pattern.Hence,the left bundle branch area pacemaker is not always considered as the optimal treatment.The left bundle branch pacing with the optimization of cardiac resynchronization treatment may serve as a new CRT strategy.展开更多
Objective To construct a prediction model based on metabolic profiling for predicting the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT).Methods Peripheral venous(PV)and coronary sinus(CS)blood samples were collec...Objective To construct a prediction model based on metabolic profiling for predicting the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT).Methods Peripheral venous(PV)and coronary sinus(CS)blood samples were collected from 25 patients with heart failure(HF)at the time of CRT implantation,and PV blood samples were obtained from ten healthy controls.The serum samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS).As per the clinical and echocardiographic assessment at the 6-month follow-up,the HF patients were categorized as CRT responders and non-responders.Results HF patients had altered serum metabolomic profiles that were significantly different from those of the healthy controls.Differential metabolites were also observed between CRT responders and non-responders.A prediction model for CRT response(CRT-Re)was constructed using the concentration levels of the differential metabolites,L-arginine and taurine.The optimal cutoff value of the CRT-Re model was found to be 0.343 by ROC analysis(sensitivity,88.2%;specificity,87.5%;Area under curve(AUC)=0.897,P=0.002).The concentration levels of the differential metabolites,L-arginine and lysyl-gamma-glutamate,in PV serum were significantly correlated with that in CS serum(r=0.945 and 0.680,respectively,all P<0.001).Conclusions Our results suggest that serum-based metabolic profiling may be a potential complementary screening tool for predicting the outcome of CRT.展开更多
The deleterious effects of long-term right ventricular pacing necessitated the search for alternative pacing sites which could prevent or alleviate pacinginduced cardiomyopathy.Until recently,biventricular pacing(BiVP...The deleterious effects of long-term right ventricular pacing necessitated the search for alternative pacing sites which could prevent or alleviate pacinginduced cardiomyopathy.Until recently,biventricular pacing(BiVP)was the only modality which could mitigate or prevent pacing induced dysfunction.Further,BiVP could resynchronize the baseline electromechanical dssynchrony in heart failure and improve outcomes.However,the high non-response rate of around 20%-30%remains a major limitation.This non-response has been largely attributable to the direct non-physiological stimulation of the left ventricular myocardium bypassing the conduction system.To overcome this limitation,the concept of conduction system pacing(CSP)came up.Despite initial success of the first CSP via His bundle pacing(HBP),certain drawbacks including lead instability and dislodgements,steep learning curve and rapid battery depletion on many occasions prevented its widespread use for cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT).Subsequently,CSP via left bundle branch-area pacing(LBBP)was developed in 2018,which over the last few years has shown efficacy comparable to BiVP-CRT in small observational studies.Further,its safety has also been well established and is largely free of the pitfalls of the HBP-CRT.In the recent metanalysis by Yasmin et al,comprising of 6 studies with 389 participants,LBBPCRT was superior to BiVP-CRT in terms of QRS duration,left ventricular ejection fraction,cardiac chamber dimensions,lead thresholds,and functional status amongst heart failure patients with left bundle branch block.However,there are important limitations of the study including the small overall numbers,inclusion of only a single small randomized controlled trial(RCT)and a small follow-up duration.Further,the entire study population analyzed was from China which makes generalizability a concern.Despite the concerns,the meta-analysis adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of LBBP-CRT.At this stage,one must acknowledge that the fact that still our opinions on this technique are largely based on observational data and there is a dire need for larger RCTs to ascertain the position of LBBPCRT in management of heart failure patients with left bundle branch block.展开更多
BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT) can be used as an escalated therapy to improve heart function in patients with cardiac dysfunction due to long-term right ventricular pacing. However, guidelines are o...BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT) can be used as an escalated therapy to improve heart function in patients with cardiac dysfunction due to long-term right ventricular pacing. However, guidelines are only targeted at adults. CRT is rarely used in children.CASE SUMMARY This case aimed to implement biventricular pacing in one child with heart failure who had a left ventricular ejection fraction < 35% at 4 years after implantation of an atrioventricular sequential pacemaker due to atrioventricular block.Postoperatively, echocardiography showed atrial sensing ventricular pacing and QRS wave duration of 120-130 ms, and cardiac function significantly improved after upgrading pacemaker.CONCLUSION Patients whose cardiac function is deteriorated to a level to upgrade to CRT should be upgraded to reverse myocardial remodeling as soon as possible.展开更多
Persistent left superior vena cava （PLSVC） is a rare con- genital anomaly of the vena cava, affecting about 0.5% of the general population, which poses a particular obstacle during transvenous electronic device impl...Persistent left superior vena cava （PLSVC） is a rare con- genital anomaly of the vena cava, affecting about 0.5% of the general population, which poses a particular obstacle during transvenous electronic device implantation. Here, we report a successful cardiac resynchronization therapy-de-fibrillator device （CRT-D） implantation strategy in which techniques and devices for percutaneous coronary interven- tion were used via a PLSVC.展开更多
文摘Background Based on previous studies, a fragmented QRS （fQRS） complex, as a predictive biomarker of myocardial scarring condition, could be used to predict the outcomes of cardiac resynchronized therapy （CRT）. However, this conclusion is still debatable. Methods Fifty ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy patients failure （aged 65 ± 10 yrs, 34 males, 16 females） with refractory heart, diagnosed by the criteria of New York Heart Association received CRT. The ECGs of 18 patients with a fQRS complex （divided by Das） were compared with those of 32 patients without a fQRS complex, who were evaluated by 12-lead ECG before CRT. The patients were followed up for six months, and 12-lead ECG and echocardiography were reviewed. At least 15% reduction in the left ventricular end-systolic volume （LVESV） was defined as responders according to the data obtained for between-group and intra-group analysis. Results Six patients （33.3%） in the fQRS group and 24 patients （75%） in the non-fQRS group responded well. In addition, comparisons of indicators from surface ECG and echocardiography 6 months after CRT showed that the non-fQRS group benefited from CRT significantly more than the fQRS group. Conclusions The fQRS complex has good predictive value for responsiveness to CRT. Non-fQRS complex patients with refractory heart failure may benefit more from CRT, and these patients need to receive this treatment as early as possible.
文摘BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)has been a major therapeutic advancement for patients with heart failure and electrical dyssynchrony.While CRT improves symptoms,reduces hospitalizations,and enhances survival,the role of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators(ICDs)alongside CRT in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy(NICM)remains controversial.To evaluate and compare the outcomes of CRT with ICD(CRT-D)versus CRT with pacemaker-only(CRT-P)in individuals diagnosed with NICM,with a specific focus on the elderly.METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed,Embase,and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted in January 2024.Studies comparing CRT-D and CRT-P in patients with NICM were included,with subgroup analyses focusing on patients aged 75 years and older.RESULTS Twelve studies,including two randomized clinical trials,with a total of 62,145 patients and 16,754 pooled death events(9,171 in CRT-D and 7,583 in CRT-P),were analyzed.CRT-D was associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to CRT-P(pooled OR=0.72;95%CI:0.61-0.85;P<0.01),with significant heterogeneity(I2=83%).RCT subgroup analysis,was not statistically significant(pooled OR=0.82;95%CI:0.64-1.06;P=0.41;I2=0%).In patients older than 75 years,no significant difference in mortality risk was observed(pooled OR 0.96;95%CI:0.81-1.15;I2=39%).CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis suggests that the addition of ICD therapy to CRT in patients with NICM significantly reduces all-cause mortality.However,this benefit does not extend to cardiovascular mortality,likely due to the primary role of ICDs in preventing sudden cardiac death rather than other causes such as progressive heart failure.The survival advantage of CRT-D is most pronounced in younger patients,with those over 75 years of age deriving less benefit.This highlights the importance of careful patient selection,considering age and comorbidities,when deciding on ICD implantation in NICM patients.
文摘Background The data on the prognostic values of high sensitivity C-reactive protein （hsCRP） levels in patients with advanced symp-tomatic heart failure （HF） receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy （CRT） are scarce. The aim of present study was to investigate the association of serum hsCRP levels with left ventricle reverse remodeling after six months of CRT as well as long-term outcome. Methods A total of 232 CRT patients were included. The assessment of hsCRP values, clinical status and echocardiographic data were performed at baseline and after six months of CRT. Long-term follow-up included all-cause mortality and hospitalizations for HF. Results During the mean follow-up periods of 31.3 ± 31.5 months, elevated hsCRP （〉3 mg/L） prior to CRT was associated with a significant 2.39-fold increase （P=0.006） in the risk of death or HF hospitalizations. At 6-month follow-up, patients who responded to CRT showed significant reductions or maintained low in hsCRP levels （–0.5 ± 4.1 mg/L reduction） compared with non-responders （1.7 ± 6.1 mg/L increase, P=0.018）. Com-pared with patients in whom 6-month hsCRP levels were reduced or remained low, patients in whom 6-month hsCRP levels were increased or maintained high experienced a significantly higher risk of subsequent death or HF hospitalizations （Log-rank P〈0.001）. The echocardio-graphic improvement was also better among patients in whom 6-month hsCRP levels were reduced or remained low compared to those in whom 6-month hsCRP levels were raised or maintained high. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that measurement of baseline and follow-up hsCRP levels may be useful as prognostic markers for timely potential risk stratification and subsequent appropriate treatment strategies in patients with advanced HF undergoing CRT.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the permanent high interventricular septal pacing in a long term follow up, as alternative to right ventricular apical pacing. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated:(1) 244 patients(74 ± 8 years; 169 men, 75 women) implanted with a single(132 pts) or dual chamber(112 pts) pacemaker(PM) with ventricular screw-in lead placed at the right ventricular high septal parahisian site(SEPTAL pacing);(2) 22 patients with permanent pacemaker and low percentage of pacing(< 20%)(NO pacing);(3) 33 patients with high percentage(> 80%) right ventricular apical pacing(RVA). All patients had a narrow spontaneous QRS(101 ± 14 ms). We evaluated New York Heart Association(NYHA) class, quality of life(Qo L), 6 min walking test(6MWT) and left ventricular function(end-diastolic volume, LV-EDV; end-systolic volume, LVESV; ejection fraction, LV-EF) with 2D-echocardiography. RESULTS: Pacing parameters were stable duringfollow up(21 mo/patient). In SEPTAL pacing group we observed an improvement in NYHA class, Qo L score and 6MWT. While LV-EDV didn't significantly increase(104 ± 40 m L vs 100 ± 37 m L; P = 0.35), LV-ESV slightly increased(55 ± 31 m L vs 49 ± 27 m L; P = 0.05) and LV-EF slightly decreased(49% ± 11% vs 53% ± 11%; P = 0.001) but never falling < 45%. In the RVA pacing control group we observed a worsening of NYHA class and an important reduction of LV-EF(from 56% ± 6% to 43% ± 9%, P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: Right ventricular permanent high septal pacing is safe and effective in a long term follow up evaluation; it could be a good alternative to the conventional RVA pacing in order to avoid its deleterious effects.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81570370)CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(2017-I2M-1-009)
文摘Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)is a highly effective treatment in patients with a class I recommendation.However,a small proportion of the strictly selected patients still fail to respond.This study was designed to identify predictors of non-response in patients with class I indications for CRT and determine the non-response probability of the patients.Methods A total of 296 consecutive patients with a class I recommendation received CRT from January 2009 to January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for non-response(defined as cardiac death,heart transplantation,or HF hospitalization during 1-year follow-up).Results Among 296 patients,30(10.1%)met non-response.Multivariate analysis demonstrated that non-response to CRT was associated with a fragmented QRS(odd ratio(OR)=2.86,95%CI:1.14–7.12;P=0.025)and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension(LVEDD)≥77 mm(OR=3.02,95%CI:1.17–7.82;P=0.022).Patients with both of the predictors had a non-response probability of 46.2%(95%CI:19.1%–73.3%).Conclusion In patients with left bundle branch block and wider QRS duration,the proportion of non-response to CRT is not low in real world.The presence of the dilated LVEDD or fragmented QRS is a strong predictor of non-response to CRT.The probability of non-response in the patients with the two predictors was 46.2%.
文摘Background Super-responders （SRs） are defined as patients who show crucial cardiac function improvement after cardiac resynchro- nization therapy （CRT）. The purpose of this study is to identify and validate predictors of SRs after CRT. Methods This study enrolled 201 patients who underwent CRT during the period from 2010 to 2014. Clinical and echocardiographic evaluations were conducted before CRT and 6 months after. Patients with a decrease in New York Heart Association （NYHA） fimctional class 〉 1, a decrease in left ventricular end-systolic volume （LVESV） ≥ 15%, and a final left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） ≥ 45% were classified as SRs. Results 29% of the 201 patients who underwent CRT were identified as SRs. At baseline, SRs had significantly smaller left atrial diameter （LAD）, LVESV, left ventricular end-diastolic volume （LVEDV） and higher LVEF than the non-super-responders （non-SRs）. The percentage of patients using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers （ACEI/ARB） was higher in SRs than non-SRs. Most SRs had Biventricular （BiV） pacing percentage greater than 98% six months after CRT. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the independ- ent predictors of SRs were lower LVEDV [odd ratios （OR）： 0.93; confidence intervals （CI）： 0.90-0.97], use of ACEI/ARB （OR： 0.33; CI： 0.13~3.82） and BiV pacing percentage greater than 98% （OR： 0.29; CI： 0.16~.87）. Conclusion Patients with a better compliance of ACEI/ARB and a less ectatic ventricular geometry before CRT tends to have a greater probability of becoming SRs. Higher percentage of BiV pacing is essential for becoming SRs.
文摘Objective To evaluate left univentricular （LUV） pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy （CRT） using a rate-adaptive atrioven- tricular delay （RAAVD） algorithm to track physiological atrioventricular delay （AVD）. Methods A total of 72 patients with congestive heart failure （CHF） were randomized to RAAVD LUV pacing versus standard biventricular （BiV） pacing in a 1 ： 1 ratio. Echocardiography was used to optimize AVD for both groups. The effects of sequential BiV pacing and LUV pacing with optimized A-V （right atrio-LV） delay using an RAAVD algorithm were compared. The standard deviation （SD） of the S/R ratio in lead VI at five heart rate （HR） segments （Rs/R-SD5）, defined as the ＂tracking index,＂ was used to evaluate the accuracy of the RAAVD algorithm for tracking physiological AVD. Results TheQRS complex duration （132 ± 9.8 vs. 138± 10ms, P 〈 0.05）, the time required for optimization （21 ±5 vs. 50±8min, P〈 0.001）, the mitral regurgitant area （1.9 ± 1.1 vs. 2.5 ± 1.3 em2, P 〈 0.05）, the interventricular mechanical delay time （60.7 ± 13.3 ms vs. 68.3 ± 14.2 ms, P 〈 0.05）, and the average annual cost （13,200 ± 1000 vs. 21,600 ± 2000 RMB, P 〈 0.001） in the RAAVD LUV pacing group were significantly less than those in the standard BiV pacing group. The aortic valve velocity-time integral in the RAAVD LUV pacing group was greater than that in the standard BiV pacing group （22.7 ± 2.2 vs. 21.4 ± 2.1 cm, P 〈 0.05）. The Rs/R-SD5 was 4.08 ± 1.91 in the RAAVD LUV pacing group, and was significantly negatively correlated with improved left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） （ALVEF, Pearson＇s r = -0.427, P = 0.009）, and positively correlated with New York Heart Association class （Spearman＇s r - 0.348, P 0.037）. Conclusions RAAVD LUV pacing is as effective as standard BiV pacing, can be more physiological than standard BiV pacing, and can de- crease the average annual cost of CRT.
基金partly supported by Biotronik for data processing。
文摘Background Several liver function tests have been identified as predictors of hospitalization for heart failure(HF) and death in patients with chronic HF. The relationship between serum γ-glutamyltranferase(GGT) and albumin(SA) levels with the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT) has not been reliably determined. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of liver function tests on the results of CRT in the elderly. Methods Baseline GGT and SA were assessed before CRT device implantation in the elderly(> 70-year-old) patients. The endpoints were:(1) CRT response defined as > 5% left ventricular ejection fraction improvement and no hospitalization for HF or cardiovascular death;(2) hospitalizations;and(3) mortality. Results Eighty of 138(58%) included patients were responders at nine months. Compared to responders, the SA levels were not significantly different(35.1 ± 5.4 vs. 33.6 ± 5.5 g/L, P = 0.103);but the GGT levels, higher(81.6 ± 69.3 vs. 54.7 ± 49.6 U/L, P = 0.013) in non-responders to CRT. GGT level was independently associated with non-response to CRT(P < 0.001, OR = 0.17;95% CI: 0.08–0.38, P < 0.001). GGT cut-off value ≥ 55 U/L was highly predictive of non-response [AUC = 0.65, 64% Sensitivity, 69% Specificity(95% CI: 0.56–0.74)]. GGT ≥ 55 U/L was also associated with higher risk of hospitalization for atrial fibrillation(AF)(95% vs. 83%, P = 0.024). Both SA and GGT had no impact on overall(P = 0.220, P = 0.723) mortality. Conclusions Higher level of GGT is an independent predictor of non-response to CRT in patients over age 70 years and is associated with higher risk of hospitalization for AF. Baseline serum levels of albumin and GGT and have no impact on mortality in elderly patients undergoing CRT.
文摘Symptomatic bradycardia is effectively treated with the implantation of a cardiac pacemaker. Although a highly successful therapy, during recent years there has been a focus on the negative effects associated with longterm pacing of the apex of the right ventricle(RV). It has been shown in both experimental and clinical studies that RV pacing leads to ventricular dyssynchrony, similar to that of left bundle branch block, with subsequent detrimental effects on cardiac structure and function, and in some cases adverse clinical outcomes such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure and death. There is substantial evidence that patients with reduced left ventricular function(LVEF) are at particular high risk of suffering the detrimental clinical effects of long-term RV pacing. The evidence is, however, incomplete, coming largely from subanalyses of pacemaker and implantable cardiac defibrillator studies. In this group of patients with reduced LVEF and an expected high amount of RV pacing, biventricular pacing(cardiac resynchronization therapy) devices can prevent the negative effects of RV pacing and reduce ventricular dyssynchrony. Therefore, cardiac resynchronization therapy has emerged as an attractive option with promising results and more clinical studies are underway. Furthermore, specific pacemaker algorithms, which minimize RV pacing, can also reduce the negative effects of RV stimulation on cardiac function and may prevent clinical deterioration.
文摘A 54-year-old female patient with congenital heart disease had a persistent complete left bundle branch block three months after closure by an Amplatzer ventricular septal defect occluder. Nine months later, the patient suffered from chest distress, palpitation, and sweating at daily activities, and her 6-min walk distance decreased significantly （155 m）. Her echocardiography showed increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter with left ventricular ejection fraction of 37%. Her symptoms reduced significantly one week after received cardiac resynchronization therapy. She had no symptoms at daily activities, and her echo showed left ventricular ejection fraction of 46%and 53%. Moreover, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased 6 and 10 months after cardiac resynchronization therapy, and 6-min walk dis-tance remarkably increased. This case demonstrated that persistent complete left bundle branch block for nine months after transcatheter closure with ventricular septal defect Amplatzer occluder could lead to left ventricular enlargement and a significant decrease in left ventricular systolic function. Cardiac resynchronization therapy decreased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and increased left ventricular ejection fraction, thereby improving the patient’s heart functions.
文摘Background Whether cardiac resynchronization therapy super-responders (CRT-SRs) still have indications for neuro-hormonal antagonists or not remains uninvestigated.Methods We reviewed clinical data from 376 patients who underwent CRT implantation in Fuwai Hospital from 2009 to 2015 and followed up to 2017.CRT-SRs were defined by an improvement of the New York Heart Association functional class and left ventricular ejection fraction to ≥ 50% in absolute values at 6-month follow-up.All CRT-SRs were assigned into two groups on the basis of whether persistently receiving neuro-hormonal antagonists (NHA)(defined as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/ angiotensin receptor blockers and β-blockers) after 6-month follow-up and then we compared long-term outcome.Results A total of 60 patients met criteria for super-response.One of thirteen (7.7%) CRT-SRs without NHA had all-cause death,which also occurred in 2 of 47 (4.3%) in CRT-SRs with NHA (P = 0.526).However,3 of 13 (23.1%) CRT-SRs without NHA had heart failure (HF) hospitalization,1 of 47 (2.1%) CRT-SRs with NHA had this endpoint (P = 0.040).Besides,subgroup analysis indicated that,for ischemic etiology group,CRT-SRs receiving NHA had considerably lower incidence of HF hospitalization than those without NHA (0 vs.75%,P = 0.014),which was not observed in non-ischemic etiology group (2.6% vs.0,P = 1.000) during long-term follow-up.Conclusions Our study found that for ischemic etiology,compared with CRT-SRs with NHA,CRT-SRs without NHA were associated with a higher risk of HF hospitalization.However,for non-ischemic etiology,we found that CRT-SRs with NHA or without NHA at follow-up were associated with similar outcomes,which needed further investigation by prospective trials.
基金the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China(grants 2016YFC1301000 and 2016YFC0900900).
文摘Background:Left bundle branch block(LBBB)-induced cardiomyopathy has been proposed,but the association between LBBB and cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)response remains unclear and practical criteria for selecting CRT candidates are needed.Methods:One hundred and seventeen consecutive heart failure patients were reviewed,24 of whom received CRT.Only two patients had a clear temporal relation between cardiomyopathy and LBBB.Results:Compared with the patient with“cardiomyopathy-induced LBBB,”the patient with“LBBB-induced cardiomyopathy”had higher left ventricular(LV)wall thickness,higher LV wall thickening rate,higher peak circumferential strain,and longer peak circumferential strain delay.The LV deformation patterns in the two patients were obviously distinct on cardiovascular magnetic resonance tissue tracking.During follow-up,the patient with LBBB-induced cardiomyopathy had a good response to CRT(LV ejection fraction 23 before CRT vs.30%at 6 months vs.29 at 12 months vs.32%at 18 months;LV end-diastolic diameter 77 mm before CRT vs.66 mm at 6 months vs.62 mm at 12 months vs.63 mm at 18 months),and the other patient had no response to CRT(LV ejection fraction 29 before CRT vs.29%at 6 months vs.26 at 12 months vs.22%at 24 months;LV end-diastolic diameter 85 mm before CRT vs.88 mm at 6 months vs.85 mm at 12 months vs.84 mm at 24 months).Conclusion:The temporal relation between cardiomyopathy and LBBB could be a determinant for CRT response.Cardiovascular magnetic resonance tissue tracking may be a useful tool to identify the chronological order and a principal consideration for selecting candidates for CRT.Larger prospective clinical trials are needed to study the prevalence of,time course of,and risk factors for LBBB-induced cardiomyopathy.
文摘Background Transvenous lead placement is the standard approach for left ventricular （LV） pacing in cardiac resynchronization ther- apy （CRT）, while the open chest access epicardial lead placement is currently the most frequently used second choice. Our study aimed to compare the ventricular electromechanical synchronicity in patients with heart failure after CRT with these two different LV pacing tech- niques. Methods We enrolled 33 consecutive patients with refractory heart failure secondly to dilated cardiomyopathy who were eligible for CRT in this study. Nineteen patients received transvenous （TV group） while 14 received open chest （OP group） LV lead pacing. Intraand inter-ventricular electromechanical synchronicity was assessed by tissue Doppler imaging （TDI） before and one year after CRT procedure. Results Before CRT procedure, the mean QRS-duration, maximum time difference to systolic peak velocity among 12 left ventricle segments （LV Ts-12）, standard deviation of time difference to systolic peak velocity of 12 left ventricle segments （LV Ts-SD）, and inter-ventficular mechanical delay （IVMD） in OP and TV group were 166 ± 17 ms and 170 ± 21 ms, 391 ±42 ms and 397 ± 36 ms, 144 ± 30 ms and 148 ± 22 ms, 58 ± 25 ms and 60 ± 36 ms, respectively （all P 〉 0.05）. At one year after the CRT, the mean QRS-duration, LV Ts-12, LV Ts-SD, and IVMD in TV and OP group were 128 ± 14 ms and 141 ± 22 ms （P = 0.031）, 136 ± 37 ms and 294 ± 119 ms （P = 0.023）, 50± 22 ms and 96 ± 34 ms （P = 0.015）, 27 ± 11 ms and 27 ± 26 ms （P = 0.86）, respectively. The LV lead implantation procedure time was 53.4±16.3 rain for OP group and 136 ± 35.1 min for TV group （P = 0.016）. The mean LV pacing threshold increased significantly from 1.7 ± 0.6 V/0.5 ms to 2.3 ± 1.6 V/0.5 ms （P 〈 0.05） in TV group while it remained stable in the OP group. Conclusions Compared to conventional endovascular approach, open chest access of LV pacing for CRT leads to better improvement of the intraventricular synchronization.
文摘Cardiac resynchronization therapy （CRT） is associated with a favorable outcome only in patients with left bundle branch block （LBBB） pattern and in patients with a QRS duration 〉 150 ms, in patients with non-LBBB pattern with a QRS duration of 120-150 ms usually is not beneficial. After adjusting for QRS duration, QRS morphology was no longer a determinant of the clinical response to CRT. In contrast to the mainstream view, we hypothesized that the unfavorable CRT outcome in patients with non-LBBB and a QRS duration of 120-150 ms is not due to the QRS morphology itself, but to less dyssynchrony and unfavorable patient characteristics in this subgroup, such as more ischemic etiology and greater prevalence of male patients compared with patients with LBBB pattern. Further, the current CRT technique is devised to eliminate the dyssynchrony present in patients with LBBB pattern and inappropriate to eliminate the dyssynchrony in patients with non-LBBB pattern. We also hypothesized that electrocardiography may also provide information about the presence of interventricular and left intraventricular dyssynchrony and the approximate location of the latest activated left ventricular （LV） region. To this end, we devised new ECG criteria to estimate interventricular and LV intraventricular dyssynchrony and the approximate location of the latest activated LV region. Our preliminary data demonstrated that the latest activated LV region in patients with nonspecific intraventricular conduction disturbance （NICD） pattern might be at a remote site from that present in patients with LBBB pattern, which might necessitate the invention of a novel CRT technique for patients with NICD pattern. The application of the new interventricular and LV intraventricular dyssynchrony ECG criteria and a potential novel CRT technique might decrease the currently high nonresponder rate in patients with NICD pattern.
文摘Cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR) is a non-invasive,nonionizing,diagnostic technique that uses magnetic fields,radio waves and field gradients to generate images with high spatial and temporal resolution.After administration of contrast media(e.g.,gadolinium chelate),it is also possible to acquire late images,which make possible the identification and quantification of myocardial areas with scar/fibrosis(late gadolinium enhancement,LGE).CMR is currently a useful instrument in clinical cardiovascular practice for the assessment of several pathological conditions,including ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies and congenital heart disease.In recent years,its field of application has also extended to arrhythmology,both in diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of arrhythmic risk and in therapeutic decisionmaking.In this review,we discuss the possible useful applications of CMR for the arrhythmologist.It is possible to identify three main fields of application of CMR in this context:(1) arrhythmic and sudden cardiac death risk stratification in different heart diseases;(2) decisionmaking in cardiac resynchronization therapy device implantation,presence and extent of myocardial fibrosis for left ventricular lead placement and cardiac venous anatomy; and(3) substrate identification for guiding ablation of complex arrhythmias(atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardias).
文摘BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)is a well-established therapy for patients with cardiomyopathy.CASE SUMMARY The patient underwent left bundle branch area and left ventricular(reaching the left ventricular lateral vein through the coronary sinus)pacing.The optimal CRT was performed under the right bundle branch of the patient by adjusting the optimal a-v and v-v interphases to achieve the maximal benefit of the treatment.CONCLUSION The patient was diagnosed with left bundle branch block and heart failure.A left bundle branch area pacemaker assisted in correcting the complete left bundle branch block.However,the shorter QRS wave shape after pacemaker implantation through the left bundle branch area indicated a complete right bundle branch block pattern.Hence,the left bundle branch area pacemaker is not always considered as the optimal treatment.The left bundle branch pacing with the optimization of cardiac resynchronization treatment may serve as a new CRT strategy.
基金funded by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(No.81671685)
文摘Objective To construct a prediction model based on metabolic profiling for predicting the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT).Methods Peripheral venous(PV)and coronary sinus(CS)blood samples were collected from 25 patients with heart failure(HF)at the time of CRT implantation,and PV blood samples were obtained from ten healthy controls.The serum samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS).As per the clinical and echocardiographic assessment at the 6-month follow-up,the HF patients were categorized as CRT responders and non-responders.Results HF patients had altered serum metabolomic profiles that were significantly different from those of the healthy controls.Differential metabolites were also observed between CRT responders and non-responders.A prediction model for CRT response(CRT-Re)was constructed using the concentration levels of the differential metabolites,L-arginine and taurine.The optimal cutoff value of the CRT-Re model was found to be 0.343 by ROC analysis(sensitivity,88.2%;specificity,87.5%;Area under curve(AUC)=0.897,P=0.002).The concentration levels of the differential metabolites,L-arginine and lysyl-gamma-glutamate,in PV serum were significantly correlated with that in CS serum(r=0.945 and 0.680,respectively,all P<0.001).Conclusions Our results suggest that serum-based metabolic profiling may be a potential complementary screening tool for predicting the outcome of CRT.
文摘The deleterious effects of long-term right ventricular pacing necessitated the search for alternative pacing sites which could prevent or alleviate pacinginduced cardiomyopathy.Until recently,biventricular pacing(BiVP)was the only modality which could mitigate or prevent pacing induced dysfunction.Further,BiVP could resynchronize the baseline electromechanical dssynchrony in heart failure and improve outcomes.However,the high non-response rate of around 20%-30%remains a major limitation.This non-response has been largely attributable to the direct non-physiological stimulation of the left ventricular myocardium bypassing the conduction system.To overcome this limitation,the concept of conduction system pacing(CSP)came up.Despite initial success of the first CSP via His bundle pacing(HBP),certain drawbacks including lead instability and dislodgements,steep learning curve and rapid battery depletion on many occasions prevented its widespread use for cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT).Subsequently,CSP via left bundle branch-area pacing(LBBP)was developed in 2018,which over the last few years has shown efficacy comparable to BiVP-CRT in small observational studies.Further,its safety has also been well established and is largely free of the pitfalls of the HBP-CRT.In the recent metanalysis by Yasmin et al,comprising of 6 studies with 389 participants,LBBPCRT was superior to BiVP-CRT in terms of QRS duration,left ventricular ejection fraction,cardiac chamber dimensions,lead thresholds,and functional status amongst heart failure patients with left bundle branch block.However,there are important limitations of the study including the small overall numbers,inclusion of only a single small randomized controlled trial(RCT)and a small follow-up duration.Further,the entire study population analyzed was from China which makes generalizability a concern.Despite the concerns,the meta-analysis adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of LBBP-CRT.At this stage,one must acknowledge that the fact that still our opinions on this technique are largely based on observational data and there is a dire need for larger RCTs to ascertain the position of LBBPCRT in management of heart failure patients with left bundle branch block.
基金Supported by The Clinical Research Center Project of Department of Science and Technology of Guizhou Province,No.(2016)410 and No.(2017)5405
文摘BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT) can be used as an escalated therapy to improve heart function in patients with cardiac dysfunction due to long-term right ventricular pacing. However, guidelines are only targeted at adults. CRT is rarely used in children.CASE SUMMARY This case aimed to implement biventricular pacing in one child with heart failure who had a left ventricular ejection fraction < 35% at 4 years after implantation of an atrioventricular sequential pacemaker due to atrioventricular block.Postoperatively, echocardiography showed atrial sensing ventricular pacing and QRS wave duration of 120-130 ms, and cardiac function significantly improved after upgrading pacemaker.CONCLUSION Patients whose cardiac function is deteriorated to a level to upgrade to CRT should be upgraded to reverse myocardial remodeling as soon as possible.
文摘Persistent left superior vena cava （PLSVC） is a rare con- genital anomaly of the vena cava, affecting about 0.5% of the general population, which poses a particular obstacle during transvenous electronic device implantation. Here, we report a successful cardiac resynchronization therapy-de-fibrillator device （CRT-D） implantation strategy in which techniques and devices for percutaneous coronary interven- tion were used via a PLSVC.
