Prognostic implications of global, left ventricular myocardial work efficiency before cardiac resynchronization...

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) restores mechanical efficiency to the failing left ventricular (LV) by resynchronization of contraction. Global, LV myocardial work efficiency (GLVMWE) can be quantified non-invasively with echocardiography. The prognostic implication of GLVMWE remains unexplored, and we therefore related GLVMWE before CRT to long-term prognosis.

Data were analysed from an ongoing registry of patients with Class I indications for CRT. GLVMWE was defined as the ratio of constructive work in all LV segments, divided by the sum of constructive and wasted work in all LV segments, as a percentage. It was derived from speckle tracking strain echocardiography and non-invasive blood pressure measurements, taken pre-CRT. Patients were dichotomized according to baseline, median GLVMWE [75%; interquartile range (IQR) 66-81%]. A total of 153 patients (66 ± 10 years, 72% male, 48% ischaemic heart disease) were analysed. After a median follow-up of 57 months (IQR 28-76 months), 31% of patients died. CRT recipients with less efficient baseline energetics (GLVMWE <75%) demonstrated lower event rates than patients with more efficient baseline energetics (GLVMWE ≥75%) (log-rank test, P = 0.029). On multivariable analysis, global LV wasted work ratio <75% pre-CRT was independently associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.25-0.92; P = 0.027), suggesting that the potential for improvement in LV efficiency is important for CRT benefit.

GLVMWE can be derived non-invasively from speckle tracking strain echocardiography and non-invasive blood pressure recordings. A lower GLVMWE before CRT is independently associated with improved long-term outcome.