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

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.