Low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography to assess left ventricular contractile reserve for cardiac resynchronization therapy: data from the Low-Dose Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography to Predict Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Response (LODO-CRT) trial

Abstract

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective methodology indicated in selected heart failure patients. Identifying responders to the therapy is still challenging. Most studies report that at least 30% of the patients are nonresponders. Baseline characteristics of the Low-Dose Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography to Predict Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Response (LODO-CRT) trial population are presented. The study investigates dobutamine stress echocardiography's role in predicting CRT response. Two hundred seventy-one CRT candidates were studied. Mean age was 67+/-10 years, 69% were male, 96% had New York Heart Association class III disease, and 39% had heart failure of ischemic etiology. Mean QRS and left ventricular ejection fraction were 146+/-24 ms and 26%+/-6%, respectively. Seventy-seven percent of participants showed contractile reserve. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume was shown to be independently associated with contractile reserve presence. In particular, more dilated ventricles are associated with a lower chance of having contractile reserve. The LODO-CRT trial enrolled a cohort of patients fulfilling criteria for CRT. Dobutamine stress echocardiography was highly feasible and safe in this population. Contractile reserve was associated with healthier ventricles.