Similar Degree in Mechanical Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony Between Right Ventricular Outflow Tract and Right Ventricular Apical Pacing: A Strain Doppler Imaging Study

Background and Objectives: Long-term right ventricular (RV) apex pacing has been associated with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. However, pacing in the RV outflow tract (RVOT) is associated with a narrower QRS duration and may have a more normal LV activation in comparison to RV apical (RVA) pacing. We hypothesized that RVOT pacing is associated with less mechanical dyssynchrony compared to RVA pacing and that it also more closely resembles mechanical activation in normal controls with a narrow QRS. Subjects and Methods: We studied 9 patients with RV pacing, 9 with left bundle branch block (LBBB), and 15 normal controls with a narrow QRS. In the RV pacing group, we paced from the RVA and RVOT. At the end of each pacing train, we obtained echocardiographic images in the apical 4and 2-chamber views and obtained the following parameters: the compression/expansion crossover point (CEP) for myocardial strain and the time from QRS onset to the CEP in the strain image. The degree of dyssynchrony was evaluated using the dispersion and standard deviation of CEP times in 12 segments of the LV. Results: Significant dyssynchrony was observed in the RVOT pacing group compared to the group with normal QRS. No significant difference was observed in LV mechanical dyssynchrony among the RVOT pacing, RVA pacing, and LBBB groups. Conclusion: RVOT pacing is associated with significant LV dyssynchrony. Although the RVOT has been recommended as an alternative site for pacing, this approach may have adverse effects on long-term LV function. (Korean Circ J 2008;38:590-595)