Spontaneous resolution of left bundle branch block and biventricular stimulation lead to reverse remodeling in
Mariëlle Kloosterman1, Michiel Rienstra1, Isabelle C Van Gelder1
1Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Insights
Left bundle branch block (LBBB) can cause heart muscle disease and worsen heart function. Reversing LBBB through heart failure medication or cardiac resynchronization therapy can normalize heart function and improve the condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
Background:
- Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is often associated with structural heart disease.
- The causal relationship between LBBB and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is complex and often diagnosed together.
Observation:
- A patient presented with LBBB and impaired LV function.
- The patient received heart failure medication, leading to LBBB reversal and LV function normalization.
- Years later, a cardiac resynchronization device implantation also resulted in LBBB reversal and improved LV function.
Findings:
- LBBB can be a direct cause of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.
- Resolution of LBBB can induce reverse remodeling in patients with dyssynchronopathy.
Implications:
- LBBB may be a modifiable cause of heart failure.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting LBBB could improve LV function and reverse cardiac remodeling.
Abstract:
Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is considered a marker of underlying structural cardiac disease. To determine whether LBBB is cause or consequence of deterioration of left ventricular (LV) function is difficult as both are often diagnosed concomitantly. We discuss a patient where reversal of LBBB and subsequent normalization of LV function was observed after 2 different therapies, first after start of heart failure medication, and years later after implantation of a cardiac resynchronization device. This indicates that LBBB per se may result in the development of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and that LBBB resolution can lead to reverse remodeling in dyssynchronopathy.
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