Purpose: Few data exist about the effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on left atrial (LA) reverse remodeling and function, and whether echocardiographic (echo)-guide pacemaker optimization of atrioventricular and interventricular delays could beneficially affect LA reverse remodeling in long-term CRT therapy.
Methods: Effect of periodic pacemaker optimization on LA reverse remodeling induced by CRT was analyzed in 113 consecutive patients (mean age, 60 ± 11 years) and stratified according to periodic pacemaker optimization (group 1) and nonperiodic pacemaker optimization (group 2). Left atrial volumes index percent changes were assessed at every continuing 6-month follow-up visit. The primary endpoint was LA reverse remodeling. The secondary endpoint included left ventricular reverse remodeling and left ventricular ejection fraction.
Results: There is no significant difference of follow-up duration in subgroups (42.43 ± 18.94 months in group 1 vs 37.76 ± 20.24 months in group 2, p = 0.228). The responder's rate of subgroups showed similar after follow-up of 12 months (60.0 vs 53.2%, p = 0.483). After 24-month follow-up, the mean reduction of LAV index was similar in two groups (10.34 vs 7.53%, p = 0.257). The improvement effect of LA reverse remodeling induced by CRT was sustained during 24-month follow-up to the end of current study in periodic pacemaker optimization group. The degree of LAV index percent reduction was directly correlated to periodic pacemaker optimization at end of current analysis (17.13 vs 10.35%, p = 0.047).
Conclusions: Periodic echo-guide pacemaker optimization of atrioventricular and interventricular delays plays a positive role on LA reverse remodeling in long-term CRT therapy.