Systolic aortic root motion predicts response to cardiac resynchronization therapy

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Heart Failure Management

Background:

• Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a standard treatment for advanced chronic heart failure.
• Reduced systolic aortic root motion (SARM) is observed in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure.
• The relationship between SARM and CRT response requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if SARM can predict echocardiographic response to CRT in patients with advanced heart failure.
• To identify novel predictors for CRT efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-six advanced heart failure patients with LVEF ≤35% and wide QRS complex were enrolled.
• Transthoracic echocardiography was used to measure SARM before CRT implantation.
• Echocardiographic response was defined as a ≥15% reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume at 6 months.

Main Results:

• Forty patients (71%) showed a positive response to CRT.
• Multivariate analysis identified SARM as the sole significant predictor of CRT response (OR 1.818, P=.019).
• Other factors like functional capacity, cardiomyopathy etiology, QRS duration, and baseline ventricular dimensions did not predict response.

Conclusions:

• Systolic aortic root motion (SARM) is a significant predictor of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy.
• Measuring SARM may aid in selecting appropriate candidates for CRT, potentially improving patient outcomes.