Assessment of Echocardiography
According to the recommendations from the American Society of
Echocardiography, we measured the LV
end-diastolic volume (LVEDV),
LVESV, and LVEF using the biplane Simpson’s method. Mitral regurgitation
(MR) was categorized into five grades, as follows: none = grade 0; trace
= grade 1; mild = grade 2; moderate = grade 3; and severe = grade 4.
Two-dimensional echocardiography at rest was performed at baseline and 6
months follow-up to assess the LVEF and LVESV. Responders to CRT were
defined as patients displaying a 15% reduction in the LVESV at least 6
months after the CRT implantation.