Left Bundle Branch Block
Background
- Normally the septum is activated from left to right, producing small Q waves in the lateral leads.
- In LBBB, the normal direction of septal depolarisation is reversed (becomes right to left), as the impulse spreads first to the RV via the right bundle branch and then to the LV via the septum.
- This sequence of activation extends the QRS duration to > 120 ms and eliminates the normal septal Q waves in the lateral leads.
- The overall direction of depolarisation (from right to left) produces tall R waves in the lateral leads (I, V5-6) and deep S waves in the right precordial leads (V1-3), and usually leads to left axis deviation.
- As the ventricles are activated sequentially (right, then left) rather than simultaneously, this produces a broad or notched (‘M’-shaped) R wave in the lateral leads.
Dominant S wave in V1 with broad, notched ('M'-shaped) R wave in V6
Diagnostic Criteria
- QRS duration of 120 ms
- Dominant S wave in V1
- Broad monophasic R wave in lateral leads (I, aVL, V5-V6)
- Absence of Q waves in lateral leads (I, V5-V6; small Q waves are still allowed in aVL)
- Prolonged R wave peak time > 60ms in left precordial leads (V5-6)
Associated Features
- Appropriate discordance: the ST segments and T waves always go in the opposite direction to the main vector of the QRS complex
- Poor R wave progression in the chest leads
- Left axis deviation
QRS Morphology in the Lateral Leads
The R wave in the lateral leads may be either:
- ‘M’-shaped
- Notched
- Monophasic
- RS complex
'M'-shaped QRS complex
Notched R wave
Monophasic R wave
RS complex
QRS Morphology in V1
The QRS complex in V1 may be either:
- rS complex (small R wave, deep S wave)
- QS complex (deep Q/S wave with no preceding R wave)
Typical appearance of LBBB in V1 with rS complex (tiny R wave, deep S wave) and appropriate discordance (ST elevation and upright T wave)
Causes
- Aortic stenosis
- Ischaemic heart disease
- Hypertension
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Anterior MI
- Primary degenerative disease (fibrosis) of the conducting system (Lenegre disease)
- Hyperkalaemia
- Digoxin toxicity
NB. It is unusual for left bundle branch block to exist in the absence of organic disease.
Incomplete LBBB
- Incomplete LBBB is diagnosed when typical LBBB morphology is associated with a QRS duration < 120ms.
Incomplete LBBB (QRS duration 110ms)
Differential Diagnosis
- Left ventricular hypertrophy may produce a similar appearance to LBBB, with QRS widening and ST depression / T-wave inversion in the lateral leads.
More Examples of LBBB
Left Bundle Branch Block
Left Bundle Branch Block
AF with LBBB
Related Topics
Further Reading
- ECG BASICS – Waves, Intervals, Segments and Clinical Interpretation
- ECG CLINICAL CASES – Your favourite ECG’s placed in clinical context with a challenging Q&A approach
- ECG and Cardiology Eponymous Syndromes – Cheats guide to eponymous emancipation
- ECG Reference Sites on the WEB – the best of the rest
Author Credits
References
- Da Costa D, Brady WJ, Edhouse J. Bradycardias and atrioventricular conduction block. BMJ. 2002 Mar 2;324(7336):535-8. Review. PMID: 11872557. Full text.
- Hampton, JR. The ECG in Practice (5th edition), Churchill Livingstone 2008.
- Surawicz B, Knilans T. Chou’s Electrocardiography in Clinical Practice (6th edition), Saunders 2008.
- Wagner, GS. Marriott’s Practical Electrocardiography (11th edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2007.
About Edward Burns
