The clinical progression of an asymptomatic left bundle branch block.

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  The clinical progression of an asymptomatic left bundle branch block.

• IRAS ID

  242449

• Contact name

  Francisco Leyva

• Contact email

  cardiologists@hotmail.com

• Sponsor organisation

  University Birmingham NHS Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  2 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Introduction
  A left bundle branch block (LBBB) is found in up to 0.8% of individuals in the general population. In clinical practice, it is often found incidentally in asymptomatic patients in the course of cardiovascular screening or pre-operative assessments, is a common point of referral to cardiologists. In such instances, uncertainty may arise as to its cause and impact on prognosis of an incidental, or asymptomatic LBBB.

  Aim
  In this this study we aim to evaluate if isolated LBBB leads to the left ventricular systolic dysfunction patterns in patients with isolated LBBB on the basis of clinical history, coronary angiography and a CMR scan.

  Although patients with a LBBB have an ‘isolated’ or asymptomatic LBBB, there may still be a concern as whether it portends a poor prognosis. In this respect, LBBB leads to lack of synchrony of contractions in different ventricles in the heart, abnormal diastolic filling and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Accordingly, some studies have shown that an isolated LBBB with normal LVEF portends a poor outcome.

  What we will do
  This is a single centre, prospective, non-interventional, non-randomized research study. We will recruit 50 patients with an isolated LBBB on the basis of clinical history, coronary angiography and a CMR scan. The participants will undergo a repeat clinical assessment and a CMR scan for the quantification of LV volumes and LVEF.
  A study physician will obtain a simple electrical tracing of the heart (ECG) by placing electrodes onto the body surface (chest). The position of these electrodes will be photographed with the use of a specialized 3D camera (KINECT). This will then be translated into a three-dimensional reconstruction of electrical activation of the heart using computer software.
  It is anticipated that patients will only require one hospital visit.

• REC name

  South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  19/SC/0445

• Date of REC Opinion

  10 Oct 2019

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion