Tailored echocardiographic interventricular delay programming further optimizes left ventricular performance after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Background: The aim of cardiac resynchronization therapy is correction of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony. However, little is known about the optimal timing of LV and right ventricular (RV) stimulation.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute hemodynamic effects of biventricular pacing, using a range of interventricular delays in patients with advanced heart failure.

Cryptic 5' splice site activation in SCN5A associated with Brugada syndrome.

The Brugada syndrome (BS) is characterized by ST segment elevation in the right precordial leads and sudden cardiac death. The disease is linked to mutations in SCN5A in approximately 20% of cases. We collected a large family with BS and have identified a novel intronic mutation.