Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Pediatrics

Abstract

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a method of treating heart failure using a device. It is an established treatment for heart failure in adults, most commonly in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, its efficacy in children with DCM has not been established. Pacemaker-induced cardiomyopathy may occur during pacemaker therapy for complete atrioventricular block in children because the ventricular lead is placed in the right ventricular free wall or outflow tract. The efficacy of CRT for pacemaker-induced cardiomyopathy in children is well established. However, the uniqueness and diversity of pediatric and congenital heart diseases make it difficult to establish guidelines for CRT; thus, CRT indications should be carefully considered in each case.