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[Tako-tsubo: a rare form of transient left ventricular dysfunction]
F Barbou1, T Hovasse, T Cuisset
1Départment de cardiologie, hôpital de la Timone adultes, rue Saint-Pierre, 13000 Marseille. cf.barbou@wanadoo.fr
Archives Des Maladies Du Coeur Et Des Vaisseaux
|May 11, 2005
Summary
Transient apical ballooning syndrome, or tako-tsubo syndrome, is a reversible heart condition in women. This case study shows complete recovery of left ventricular function after initial symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with ST-segment elevation necessitates rapid diagnosis and management.
- Distinguishing ACS from non-ischemic cardiomyopathies is critical for appropriate treatment.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old female presented with symptoms suggestive of ACS.
- Coronary angiography revealed no obstructive coronary artery disease.
- Ventriculography demonstrated apical and mid-ventricular akinesia with basal hyperkinesia and mild troponin elevation.
Findings:
- The patient underwent a methergin test on day 10, which was negative.
- Follow-up ventriculography showed complete resolution of left ventricular segmental abnormalities.
- Diagnosis of left ventricular transient apical ballooning (Tako-Tsubo syndrome) was confirmed.
Implications:
- Tako-Tsubo syndrome is characterized by transient, reversible left ventricular dysfunction without coronary artery lesions.
- The condition primarily affects postmenopausal women, often triggered by emotional or physical stress.
- Prognosis is generally excellent, with rapid recovery of systolic function, though pathophysiology requires further investigation.