Abstract

Are We Missing Something? The Hidden Potential of Apical Rocking and Septal Flash in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Author(s): Alexandra-Iulia Lazăr-Höcher, Dragoș Constantin Cozma

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is known as a cornerstone in the therapy of Heart Failure (HF) patients with electrical dyssynchrony. However, patient selection remains a challenge, as one-third of patients do not respond to CRT. The echocardiographic evaluation of mechanical dyssynchrony is crucial for selecting appropriate patients. Our review focuses on two echocardiographic parameters, Apical Rocking (ApR) and Septal Flash (SF), which can provide insights into the complex mechanisms of cardiac dyssynchrony in HF patients. The article provides insights into the definitions, mechanisms, clinical significance, and limitations of these two echocardiographic parameters, intending to present a comprehensive overview of their potential role in optimizing CRT patient selection and improving clinical outcomes.