Beta-blockers and mechanical dyssynchrony in heart failure assessed by radionuclide ventriculography

J Nucl Cardiol. 2023 Feb;30(1):193-200. doi: 10.1007/s12350-022-03142-x. Epub 2022 Nov 23.

Abstract

Background: Radionuclide ventriculography (RNVG) can be used to quantify mechanical dyssynchrony and may be a valuable adjunct in the assessment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The study aims to investigate the effect of beta-blockers on mechanical dyssynchrony using novel RNVG phase parameters.

Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in a group of 98 patients with HFrEF. LVEF and dyssynchrony were assessed pre and post beta-blockade. Dyssynchrony was assessed using synchrony, entropy, phase standard deviation, approximate entropy, and sample entropy from planar RNVG phase images. Subgroups split by ischemic etiology were also investigated.

Results: An improvement in dyssynchrony and LVEF was measured six months post beta-blockade for both ischemic and non-ischemic groups.

Conclusions: A significant improvement in dyssynchrony and LVEF was measured post beta-blockade using novel measures of dyssynchrony.

Keywords: Cardiac dyssynchrony; RNVG phase; approximate entropy; beta-blockers; heart failure; sample entropy.

MeSH terms

  • Gated Blood-Pool Imaging
  • Heart Failure*
  • Humans
  • Radionuclide Ventriculography
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stroke Volume
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left*