Echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac resynchronization therapy: ready for routine clinical use? A critical appraisal

J Am Coll Cardiol. 2004 Jul 7;44(1):1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2004.02.055.

Abstract

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been proposed as an alternative treatment in patients with severe, drug-refractory heart failure. The clinical results are promising, and improvement in symptoms, exercise capacity, and systolic left ventricular (LV) function have been demonstrated after CRT, accompanied by a reduction in hospitalization and a superior survival as compared with optimized medical therapy alone. However, 20% to 30% of patients do not respond to CRT. Currently, patients are selected mainly on electrocardiogram criteria (wide QRS complex, left bundle branch block configuration). In view of the 20% to 30% of nonresponders, additional selection criteria are needed. Echocardiography (and, in particular, tissue Doppler imaging) may allow further identification of potential responders to CRT, based on assessment of inter- and intraventricular dyssynchrony. In addition, echocardiography may allow optimal LV lead positioning and follow-up after CRT. In the current review, the different echocardiographic approaches to predict response to CRT are discussed. In addition, the use of echocardiography to guide LV lead positioning and follow-up after CRT are addressed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine
  • Echocardiography / methods*
  • Heart Conduction System / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology*
  • Heart Failure / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Heart Ventricles / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Contraction / physiology
  • Stroke Volume / physiology
  • Ventricular Function, Left / physiology