Key result
Idiopathic RBBB linked to ~13% worse LV GLS compared to healthy controls.
Why the study?
Idiopathic RBBB is often considered harmless, but studies suggest potential links to negative health outcomes, making it crucial to understand its effects on right and left ventricular systolic function.
Does idiopathic RBBB impair right and left ventricular deformation indices compared to healthy controls?
Case-Control (n=74)
Does idiopathic RBBB impair right and left ventricular deformation indices compared to healthy controls?
Absolute Event Rate: -22.1% vs -25.5%
p-value: p=<0.05
Idiopathic RBBB is associated with impaired longitudinal strain and synchronization of both the left and right ventricles despite normal conventional echocardiographic parameters.
BACKGROUND: Idiopathic right bundle branch block (RBBB) is often seen as harmless and common. However, many studies show it might be linked to negative health outcomes. So, it is crucial to fully understand how RBBB affects the heart's ventricles. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the right and left ventricular systolic functions in patients with idiopathic RBBB and compare them to those in a healthy control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Echocardiographic images were obtained from patients with idiopathic RBBB and healthy control participants. Conventional echocardiographic parameters were measured. Two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking strain analysis was used to assess deformation indices. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients with idiopathic RBBB and 35 healthy participants were included in the study. There were no significant differences in the chamber dimensions of the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) between the groups. LV ejection fraction (EF), RV fractional area change (FAC), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) measurements were similar between the groups. LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) (-25.5 ± 5.7% vs. -22.1 ± 4.2%, p < 0.05), RV GLS (-26.9 ± 4.6% vs. -24.0 ± 4.4%, p < 0.05), and interventricular septum longitudinal strain (IVS LS) (-24.3 ± 4.9% vs. -19.1 ± 4.2%, p < 0.05) were significantly reduced in patients with idiopathic RBBB compared to controls, indicating impaired myocardial shortening. Significant differences were also observed in LV (15 [5-30] vs. 30 [20-60], p < 0.05) and RV (18 [7-35] vs. 36 [24-80], p < 0.05) mechanical dispersion, with the differences being more pronounced for the RV between the groups. LV torsion (2.1 ± 0.6 vs. 1.6 ± 0.5, p < 0.05) was also worse in patients with idiopathic RBBB. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that idiopathic RBBB significantly affects the longitudinal strain and synchronization of both the LV and RV.
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Göbüt et al. (2025) conducted a case-control in Idiopathic right bundle branch block (n=74). Idiopathic right bundle branch block vs. Healthy controls was evaluated on Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) (p=<0.05). Idiopathic right bundle branch block was associated with significantly reduced left ventricular global longitudinal strain compared to healthy controls (-22.1% vs -25.5%, p<0.05).
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