Synchronization of repolarization after cardiac resynchronization
therapy: a combined clinical and modeling study
Abstract
Background: The changes in ventricular repolarization after
cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are poorly understood.
Objective: Address this knowledge gap using a multimodality
approach including electrocardiographic and echocardiographic
measurements in patients and using patient-specific computational
modeling. Methods: In 33 patients electrocardiographic and
echocardiographic measurements were performed before and at various
intervals after CRT, both during CRT-ON and temporary CRT-OFF. T-wave
area was calculated from vectorcardiograms, reconstructed from the
12-lead ECG. Computer simulations were performed using a
patient-specific eikonal model of cardiac activation with spatially
varying action potential duration (APD) and repolarization rate, fit to
a patient’s ECG. Results: During CRT-ON T-wave area diminished
within a day and remained stable thereafter, whereas QT-interval did not
change significantly. During CRT-OFF T-wave area doubled within 5 days
of CRT, while QT-interval and peak-to-end T-wave interval hardly
changed. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction did not significantly
increase before 1 month of CRT. Computer simulations indicated that the
increase in T-wave area during CRT-OFF can be explained by changes in
APD following chronic CRT that are opposite to the change in CRT-induced
activation time. These APD changes were associated with a reduction in
LV dispersion in repolarization during chronic CRT. Conclusions:
T-wave area during CRT-OFF is a sensitive marker for adaptations in
ventricular repolarization during chronic CRT that may include a
reduction in LV dispersion of repolarization.