Do all intra-ventricular conduction defect ECG patterns respond equally to CRT?

Purpose: Response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is well-established in patients with typical left bundle branch block (LBBB) but modest or even negative in those with intraventricular conduction delay (IVCD). However, IVCD pattern is heterogeneous, and it is possible that QRS patterns may also respond to CRT. Methods: Consecutive baseline ECGs of 239 patients implanted between 2007 and 2010 with CRT were analyzed. ECGs were classified into the following three groups: (a) typical LBBB (TLBBB) according to accepted guidelines (n = 67); (b) IVCD with LBBB pattern criteria in V1, 1, and aVL but with QS or rS in V5–V6 which we defined as atypical LBBB (ALBBB) (n = 74); and (c) all other IVCD (OIVCD) patterns (n = 98). Endpoints were 2 years mortality and echocardiographic response, defined as a decrease of ≥ 10% in indexed LVESV or an increase of ≥ 5% in left ventricular ejection fraction at 1 year of follow-up. Results: Baseline clinical characteristics were similar among all the three groups. Rates of echocardiographic response were lower among those with OIVCD compared to those with LBBB and ALBBB (50% vs. 75% and 72%, respectively, p = 0.01 for both comparisons). A multivariable model showed a lower likelihood of echocardiographic response in OIVCD [HR = 0.40; (0.16–0.98)] and a similar likelihood in ALBBBB [HR = 0.98; (0.40–2.40)] compared to TLBBB. Cumulative 2-year survival was 88% in ALBBB, 86% in TLBBB, and 76% in OIVCD (p value = 0.011). Conclusion: Patients with ALBBB may have a favorable echocardiographic response to CRT and display similar survival rates to typical LBBB. This subgroup of IVCD should be considered for CRT. Condensed abstract: Atypical left bundle branch morphology defined as QS or rS in lead V1, broad R waves in lead I, and aVL but with QS or rS in V5–V6 is associated with favorable echocardiographic response to CRT and displays similar survival rates to typical LBBB patients.