Key result
LBBP narrows QRS and improves LVEF to 54% in a nonischemic cardiomyopathy case with LBBB.
Why the study?
Left bundle branch block causes electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony in HFrEF, and many patients show limited response to conventional cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Does left bundle branch pacing improve clinical and echocardiographic outcomes in a patient with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and LBBB?
Case Report (n=1)
Does left bundle branch pacing improve clinical and echocardiographic outcomes in a patient with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and LBBB?
Left bundle branch pacing can achieve significant reverse remodeling and clinical improvement in a patient with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and LBBB.
LBBP may benefit select CRT non-responders with LBBB-HFrEF; leaves open its comparative efficacy pending randomized trials.
Background Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is a major determinant of electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), contributing to adverse ventricular remodeling and poor prognosis. Although cardiac resynchronization therapy improves outcomes, a substantial proportion of patients show limited response. Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) has emerged as a physiological alternative by directly engaging the His–Purkinje conduction system. Case presentation We report the case of a 62–year–old woman with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (30%), and complete LBBB (QRS duration 162 ms), who remained symptomatic despite maximally tolerated guideline–directed medical therapy. Advanced echocardiography demonstrated marked mechanical dyssynchrony, severely impaired global longitudinal strain, and functional mitral regurgitation. Cardiac magnetic resonance excluded ischemic scar and revealed diffuse interstitial fibrosis. LBBP was successfully performed, achieving QRS narrowing to 118 ms with stable electrical parameters. At 6–month follow–up, the patient showed marked clinical improvement (NYHA class I–II) and significant reverse remodeling, with left ventricular ejection fraction increasing to 54%, global longitudinal strain improving from −8.2% to −18.8%, reduced mechanical dispersion, and regression of functional mitral regurgitation. Conclusions This case highlights the potential of left bundle branch pacing as an effective physiological resynchronization strategy in patients with HFrEF and LBBB, even in the presence of diffuse myocardial fibrosis. Multimodality imaging plays a pivotal role in patient selection and in objectively documenting functional recovery. LBBP may represent a valuable alternative to conventional resynchronization strategies in carefully selected patients.
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Cacciapuoti et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with HFrEF and LBBB (n=1). Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) was evaluated on Clinical and echocardiographic improvement (QRS duration, LVEF, global longitudinal strain). Left bundle branch pacing in a 62-year-old woman with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and LBBB narrowed QRS from 162 to 118 ms and improved LVEF from 30% to 54% at 6 months.
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