Combined resynchronization therapy and automatic defibrillator in advanced non-ischaemic heart failure: the importance of QRS width.

Aims: The combined use of an automatic defibrillator in resynchronization therapy for primary prevention in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy is controversial.

Methods And Results: We assessed a series of 46 patients (61 +/- 10 years, 64% male) with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing resynchronization therapy combined with a defibrillator in primary prevention and the potential relationship between baseline characteristics and the onset of ventricular arrhythmic events. Of the 46 patients included, eight (17%) presented episodes of ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation during follow-up (19 +/- 12 months).