Acute heart failure due to transient left ventricular dyssynchrony: case study

Am J Crit Care. 2010 May;19(3):e12-4. doi: 10.4037/ajcc2010310.

Abstract

This case study describes an unusual cause of acute heart failure that resolved with early beta-blockade therapy. A 52-year-old woman who had acute heart failure with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction and left bundle branch block was admitted to a university medical center. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images of the heart did not show any evidence of myocardial infarction or myocarditis. Rate-related left bundle branch block and subsequent left ventricular dyssynchrony resulted in acute systolic dysfunction that resolved with beta-blockade therapy that allowed heart rate control and narrowing of the QRS complex. Of note, the use of inotropic agents would have dramatically worsened the cardiac condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Bundle-Branch Block / complications
  • Bundle-Branch Block / diagnostic imaging
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Failure / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy
  • Heart Failure / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / complications*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists