Left bundle branch block-induced dilated cardiomyopathy: Definitions, pathophysiology, and therapy.

Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is a frequent finding in patients with heart failure (HF), particularly in those with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). LBBB has been commonly described as a consequence of DCM development. However, a total recovery of left ventricular (LV) function after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), observed in patients with LBBB and DCM, has led to increasing acknowledgement of LBBB-induced dilated cardiomyopathy (LBBB-iDCM) as a specific pathological entity. Its recognition has important clinical implications, as LBBB-iDCM patients may benefit from an early CRT strategy rather than medical HF therapy only. At present, there are no definitive diagnostic criteria enabling the universal identification of LBBB-iDCM, and no defined therapeutic approach in this subgroup of patients. This review compiles the main findings about LBBB-iDCM pathophysiology and the current proposed diagnostic criteria and therapeutic approach.

Terapia de ressincronização melhora a captação do MIBI-99mTc e a função cardíaca / Cardiac resynchronization therapy improves the uptake of MIBI-99mTc and cardiac function

Este caso mostra a melhora proporcionada pela terapia de ressincronização cardíaca (TRC) sobre a perfusão miocárdica e o desempenho do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) avaliados pela cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica com MIBI-99mTc sincronizada ao eletrocardiograma. Paciente portadora de miocardiopatia dilatada idiopática, bloqueio de ramo esquerdo e insuficiência cardíaca refratária ao tratamento medicamentoso otimizado. Após TRC, foi observada melhora clínica, redução da duração do QRS e melhora na perfusão das paredes anterior e ântero-septal que se encontravam previamente hipoperfundidas. Houve também redução dos volumes diastólico e sistólico finais e aumento da fração de ejeção do VE.

This case shows the improvement promoted by cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on myocardial perfusion and left ventricular (LV) performance assessed by gated myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. The patient had idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, left bundle branch block and severe heart failure despite optimized medical treatment. After CRT, clinical improvement, QRS reduction and improvement of previously hypoperfused anterior and septal walls were observed. There was also decrease in LV end-diastolic and systolic volumes and increase in LV ejection fraction.

Diagnóstico de lesão obstrutiva da artéria coronária descendente anterior em pacientes com bloqueio de ramo esquerdo através da medicina nuclear / Diagnosis of left anterior descending artery stenosis in patients with left bundle branch block through nuclear medicine

PURPOSE: To evaluate septal perfusion and contractility in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). METHODS: Twenty patients were submitted to myocardial scintigraphy with Tecnecium-99m isontrile after exercise and dipyridamole infusion. The septal contractility was observed during the radionuclide ventriculography. All patients were submitted to coronariography. RESULTS: Twenty patients were studied and 17 (85) had a normal left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Nine (53) patients had abnormalities in septal perfusion after the exercise and 2 (12) after dipyridamole infusion. All patients had abnormalities in septal contractility during the radionuclide ventriculography. CONCLUSION: The myocardial scintigraphy after dipyridamole infusion showed better specificity in the diagnosis of a LAD lesion. The radionuclide ventriculography was an efficient method to evaluate the septal contraction abnormalities in patients with LBBB

Objetivo - Avaliar a perfusão e a contratilidade do septo-interventricular nos pacientes com bloqueio de ramo esquerdo (BRE). Métodos - Foram estudados, prospectivamente, 20 pacientes que realizaram o estudo da perfusão do miocárdio através da cintilografia com isonitrila ligada ao Tecnécio-99m, após o esforço e à infusão de dipiridamol. A contratilidade do septo-interventricular foi analisada pelo estudo da função ventricular com radionuclideos. Todos os pacientes realizaram cinecoronariografia. Resultados - Dos 20 pacientes, 17 (85%) apresentavam a artéria coronária descendente anterior (DA) normal. Destes, 9 (53%) mostravam alterações na perfusão septal após o esforço e 2 (12%) após a infusão de dipiridamol. Todos apresentaram assincronismo da contração septal à ventriculografia com radionuclídeos (VR). Conclusão - A cintilografia do miocárdio após a infusão de dipiridamol apresentou maior especificidade no diagnóstico de lesão obstrutiva na DA. A VR mostrouse método eficaz para comprovar o assincronismo de contração septal nos pacientes com BRE