Adaptive Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Effect on Electrical
Dyssynchrony (aCRT-ELSYNC): a randomized controlled trial.
Abstract
Introduction: Adaptive cardiac resynchronization therapy (aCRT) is known
to have clinical benefits over conventional CRT. We aimed to compare the
effects of aCRT and conventional CRT on electrical dyssynchrony.
Methods: We conducted a double-blind, randomized controlled trial in
patients receiving CRT for routine clinical indications. Participants
underwent cardiac computed tomography and 128-electrodes body surface
mapping. We measured electrical dyssynchrony on the epicardial surface
using noninvasive electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) before and 6
months post-CRT. Ventricular electrical uncoupling (VEU) was calculated
as the difference between the mean left ventricular (LV) and right
ventricular (RV) activation times. An electrical dyssynchrony index
(EDI) was computed as the standard deviation of local epicardial
activation times. Results: We randomized 27 participants (mean age 64±12
y; 34% female; 53% ischemic cardiomyopathy; LV ejection fraction
28±8%; QRS duration 155±21 ms; strict left bundle branch block (LBBB)
in 13%) to conventional CRT (n=15) versus aCRT (n=12). In atypical LBBB
(n=11;41%) with S-waves in V5-V6, conduction block occurred in the
anterior RV, as opposed to the interventricular groove in those who met
the strict LBBB criteria. As compared to baseline, VEU reduced post-CRT
in aCRT (median reduction 18.9 (interquartile range 4.3-29.2 ms;
P=0.034), but not in conventional CRT (21.4 (-30.0 to 49.9 ms; P=0.525)
group. There were no differences in the degree of change in VEU and EDI
indices between treatment groups. Conclusion: The effect of aCRT and
conventional CRT on electrical dyssynchrony is largely similar.