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Cardiac sympathetic innervation and cardiac resynchronization therapy

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Abstract

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a disease modifying, device-driven treatment that can reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure. According to the current guidelines, the indication for CRT is only based on QRS duration and functional class of heart failure. However, a substantial amount of patients do not respond to therapy. In addition, CRT is accompanied by significant cost and potential morbidity. It is therefore vital to improve patient selection for CRT to improve patient outcome and minimize therapy-related complications. In this regard, cardiac sympathetic innervation may be of interest. This review addresses the currently available literature, 9 studies with a total number of 225 patients, on CRT and cardiac innervation scintigraphy with 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine.

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Acknowledgments

The work was performed at the University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    A. M. Scholtens & A. J. A. T. Braat

  2. Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    A. Tuinenburg & M. Meine

  3. Department of Nuclear Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    H. J. Verberne

Authors
  1. A. M. Scholtens
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  2. A. J. A. T. Braat
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  3. A. Tuinenburg
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  4. M. Meine
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  5. H. J. Verberne
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Correspondence to A. M. Scholtens.

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Scholtens, A.M., Braat, A.J.A.T., Tuinenburg, A. et al. Cardiac sympathetic innervation and cardiac resynchronization therapy. Heart Fail Rev 19, 567–573 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10741-013-9400-0

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