Right Ventricular Septal Versus Apical Pacing: Echocardiographic Study

Right Ventricular Septal Versus Apical Pacing: Echocardiographic Study

This study aims to compare the effect right ventricular apical versus septal pacing on left ventricular function by deformation imaging using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography.

Permanent cardiac pacing is the most efficient treatment for various conduction disorders, including high-degree atrioventricular block and symptomatic sick sinus syndrome. High-burden right ventricular (RV) pacing is often tolerated for decades without overt left ventricular (LV) failure in most patients. It has been shown, however, that prolonged RV pacing reduces LV function and ultimately causes heart failure. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) may decrease in specific individuals with pacemaker implants following pacing, which is called Pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM). However, pacing-induced LV dysfunction (PIVD) at milder severity levels has also been documented.RV apical pacing, the classic site for pacemaker lead implantation, results in ventricular dys-synchrony and deterioration of left ventricular (LV) function and ejection fraction, like left bundle branch block. Recently, alternative sites are arising, such as right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and the septum. Studies show that deformation imaging by speckle tracking echocardiography following pacemaker implantation can predict the patients at higher risk for PCIM and PIVD at long-term follow-up. Deformation imaging, or strain imaging, provides unique Information on regional and global ventricular function. Global longitudinal strain is Known to be more precise than ejection Fraction. It is now used in patients with heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and Receiving chemotherapy to detect early Changes in cardiac function before changes in ejection fraction. Speckle tracking Echocardiography for strain measurement Depends on tracking of speckles throughout the Cardiac cycle in apical 4,3, and 2 chamber Views. The software allows the elaboration of myocardial deformation in 3 spatial directions: Longitudinal, radial, and circumferential. Predicting PICM and PIVD 6 months after pacemaker implantation is possible by measuring global longitudinal strain (GLS) baseline one and six months after implantation.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Any patients older than 18 years with conduction disturbances necessitating pacemaker implantation and
2. who had preserved LVEF (≥50%) were presented to Assuit University Heart Center.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with impaired systolic function (LVEF <50%).
2. Ischemic heart disease.
3. Significant valvular heart disease (moderate to severe).
4. Pregnancy.
5. Poor echogenic window.
6. Patient refusal.