Temporal Changes in Left Ventricular Strain in Typical and Atypical Left Bundle Branch Block Patients: A Follow-up...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Electrophysiology
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Left bundle branch block (LBBB) alters left ventricular (LV) activation, causing remodeling, dysfunction, and poor prognosis.
• Ventricular remodeling in LBBB typically involves LV hypertrophy and dilatation.
• LBBB is associated with progressive cardiac dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare temporal changes in left ventricular strain patterns in patients with typical and atypical LBBB.
• To evaluate predictors of mortality in LBBB patients over a two-year period.

Main Methods:

• Prospective enrollment of patients with LBBB.
• Two-year follow-up including electrocardiographic and echocardiographic assessments.
• Analysis of left ventricular strain parameters, including global longitudinal strain (GLS).

Main Results:

• A two-year all-cause mortality rate of 13.8% was observed in LBBB patients.
• Age, reduced ejection fraction (ALEF ≤40%), and GLS were significant independent predictors of mortality.
• Improvements in LV function and ventricular dyssynchrony were noted during follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Mortality in LBBB patients is predicted by age, ALEF, and GLS.
• While LV function and dyssynchrony improved, the drivers of these changes remain undetermined.
• Further research is needed to elucidate factors influencing LBBB patient outcomes.