Role of cardiovascular imaging in cardiac resynchronization therapy: a literature review

J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown). 2018 May;19(5):211-222. doi: 10.2459/JCM.0000000000000635.

Abstract

: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established treatment in patients with symptomatic drug-refractory heart failure and broad QRS complex on the surface ECG. Despite the presence of either mechanical dyssynchrony or viable myocardium at the site where delivering left ventricular pacing being necessary conditions for a successful CRT, their direct assessment by techniques of cardiovascular imaging, though feasible, is not recommended in clinical practice by the current guidelines. Indeed, even though there is growing body of data providing evidence of the additional value of an image-based approach as compared with routine approach in improving response to CRT, these results should be confirmed in prospective and large multicentre trials before their impact on CRT guidelines is considered.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Imaging Techniques / methods*
  • Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy / methods*
  • Heart Failure / therapy*
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Patient Selection