Influence of right ventricular ejection fraction on the occurrence of arrhythmic events in patients with systolic dysfunction

Background Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the primary risk stratification tool used for therapeutic decision making related to device therapy. However, an influence of right ventricular dysfunction on cardiovascular events is becoming apparent. The incremental prognostic value of right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) on future arrhythmic events among those being considered for device therapy has not been well examined. In this study we evaluate the significance of MRI-based measurement of RVEF versus other clinical and MRI-based variables for their ability to predict Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) or Appropriate ICD therapy.